MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Showing 8-Digit Codes Instead of 6

Huma Ashraf Ch Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to generate standard 6-digit verification codes to log in, but the Authenticator app is generating 8-digit codes.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Showing 8-Digit Codes Instead of 6

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to log into a school account using Microsoft Authenticator after switching to a new mobile phone.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Authenticator displays 8-digit verification codes, but the school's sign-in prompt requires a 6-digit code, preventing the user from accessing their account.

Before you start

Ensure your new phone is connected to a stable cellular or Wi-Fi network and that you have your school email address and password readily available before adjusting your authentication settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Sync Device Time and Re-add the School Account

The most common reason for incorrect code formats after switching phones is a syncing issue. Re-adding the account forces the app to pull the correct authentication settings from the server.

When transferring data to a new phone, Microsoft Authenticator may not properly sync the specific security policies of your school or organization. Setting your time to automatic and manually re-adding the account usually resolves this mismatch.

Set phone time to automatic

Open your phone's Settings app, navigate to 'General' or 'System', select 'Date & Time', and toggle on 'Set automatically' or 'Use network-provided time'.

Remove the existing account

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap on your school account to expand it, tap the settings gear icon (or the menu in the top right), and select 'Remove account'.

Re-add the school account

Tap the '+' icon or 'Add account' on the main screen, choose 'Work or school account', and sign in using your school email and password to re-configure the codes.

Authentication Configuration: The required code length is ultimately determined by your school's authentication configuration. Re-adding the account ensures your app matches their current setup.

Solution 2

Contact Your School's IT Administrator

If re-adding the account does not work, your school's IT department may need to reset your MFA sessions or verify their security policies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Authenticator codes change from 6 to 8 digits after getting a new phone?

This usually happens if the account was restored from a backup rather than set up fresh. The backup might not properly pull the specific security protocols required by your organization, defaulting to a different code format.

Can I manually change the Microsoft Authenticator code length?

No, the verification code length is strictly controlled by the security policies set by the organization or school that manages your account. Users cannot manually toggle between 6-digit and 8-digit codes in the app settings.

Will I get locked out if I remove my school account from the app?

If Microsoft Authenticator is your only configured two-factor authentication method, removing the account could temporarily lock you out. It is recommended to have a backup verification method (like a phone number) or consult your IT admin before deleting the account from the app.

Login & Account Issues