How to Fix Microsoft MFA Not Sending Authentication Codes or Calls
Question details
Users are unable to receive multi-factor authentication (MFA) texts, verification codes, or automated phone calls from Microsoft.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Entra ID
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into a Microsoft account or portal that requires secondary verification.
- Observed behavior
- Verification SMS messages, codes, or voice calls are not delivered to the registered mobile device, preventing the user from successfully signing in.
Ensure your mobile device has a stable cellular network signal, is not in airplane mode, and does not have active spam-filtering apps blocking unrecognized numbers.
Check Service Status and Troubleshoot Mobile Settings
Determine if there is an active Microsoft service incident and verify local device settings that might block incoming authentication codes.
Authentication delivery failures are typically caused by either a temporary Microsoft service outage or local mobile carrier/device filtering issues. Addressing both possibilities will help you regain access.
Contact your IT administrator and ask them to check the Microsoft 365 admin center for any active service outages indicating that Microsoft MFA is currently down.
Check your mobile device to ensure you have a strong cellular signal. Navigate to your phone's message and call settings to confirm that 'Do Not Disturb' or third-party spam blockers are not filtering out Microsoft's numbers.
On the Microsoft login screen, click 'Sign in another way' to see if you can use a backup method, such as a secondary email address or the Microsoft Authenticator app.
If no outage is reported and local troubleshooting fails, contact your organization's IT support to have them reset your MFA methods or re-verify your registered phone number.
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- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Microsoft authentication texts delayed?
SMS delivery can be delayed by mobile carrier network congestion, poor signal strength, or carrier-level spam filters temporarily holding automated messages.
Can I log in if my phone is lost or damaged?
If you previously set up an alternative verification method, select 'Sign in another way' on the login screen. Otherwise, you must contact your IT administrator to temporarily bypass MFA or register a new device.
How do I update my Microsoft MFA phone number?
If you can still log in, go to your Microsoft account Security settings to update your contact info. If you are locked out of an organizational account, your IT admin must update the phone number in the Microsoft Entra admin center.
