MFA & Verification Issues

How to Get Six-Digit Codes from an Authenticator App

Natalie Taylor Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to obtain a six-digit one-time passcode from an authenticator app and understand how the code length is determined.

How to Get Six-Digit Codes from an Authenticator App

Product: Authenticator App
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up or using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log into a secure online service or account.
Observed behavior: The user needs a specific six-digit verification code, which requires correctly adding the account via the service's provided QR code or setup key.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the QR code or manual setup key provided by the service you are trying to secure, and verify that your authenticator app is updated to the latest version.

Solution 1Recommended

Add the Account Using a QR Code or Setup Key

The most reliable way to ensure your authenticator app generates the correct six-digit code is by properly linking it to the service using their official setup credentials.

Authenticator apps do not natively dictate whether a code is six or eight digits; this is entirely determined by the authentication service's internal configuration. By scanning the exact QR code provided by the service, the app automatically configures the correct length and algorithm required.

Access security settings

Log in to the service or account you want to secure and navigate to its Security or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) settings.

Locate the QR code

Select the option to add an authenticator app, which will display a unique QR code or a manual text setup key on your screen.

Add account in app

Open your authenticator app on your mobile device and tap the '+' icon or 'Add Account' button.

Scan or enter key

Choose 'Scan QR Code' and point your device's camera at the screen, or select 'Enter Setup Key' to type the manual code.

Verify the code

The app will immediately begin generating the correct six-digit codes required by that specific service. Enter the current code into the service website to verify the connection.

Add the Account Using a QR Code or Setup Key

Setup Complete: You should now see a dynamically changing six-digit code in your app that refreshes automatically every 30 seconds.

Solution 2

Contact the Service Administrator for Setup Issues

If your app is generating an incorrect code length (such as eight digits when you need six) and you cannot re-add the account, you will need administrative support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my authenticator app generating an eight-digit code instead of six?

The length of the one-time passcode is determined by the specific security configuration of the service you are logging into, not the authenticator app itself. Some enterprise or high-security services mandate eight-digit codes.

Can I manually change the code length from 8 digits to 6 digits in the app?

No, the code length usually cannot be changed manually within the authenticator app settings. You must use the exact QR code or setup key provided by the service, which automatically tells the app how many digits to generate.

What should I do if my six-digit code is being rejected?

Ensure the time on your mobile device is synced correctly, as authenticator codes are time-based. If the problem persists, delete the account from your authenticator app and set it up again using a fresh QR code from the service provider.

Login & Account Issues