A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
The verification screen is asking for a 6‑digit (or similar) code, but the Microsoft Authenticator app is only showing 2 digits, which means the correct one-time password (OTP) code is not being displayed. This usually indicates that the app is not properly configured for that account, or the wrong method is being used.
Try these steps:
- Check the account entry in Microsoft Authenticator
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and tap the specific account that is being used to sign in. For a properly configured OTP, there should be a line like “One-time password code” with a 6‑digit code that changes every 30 seconds.- If this 6‑digit OTP is visible, use that full 6‑digit code on the sign-in page (not the 2‑digit number).
- If no 6‑digit OTP appears for the account
If the account in Authenticator does not show a “One-time password code” at all (only account name or other info, or just 2 digits), the OTP method is not set up correctly for that account. In that case, the MFA settings must be reset by support so the account can be re-registered in Authenticator. - Contact Microsoft support / Data Protection team to reset MFA
When the app is misconfigured and there is no valid OTP, the only supported way to fix it is to have the MFA settings reset from Microsoft’s side after identity verification. This is done by contacting support and asking them to escalate to the Data Protection team so they can reset the authentication methods for the account.
Use the official customer service phone numbers listed under Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support and request a ticket with the Data Protection team, explaining that:- Sign-in requires a 6‑digit code from Microsoft Authenticator.
- The app only shows a 2‑digit value and no 6‑digit “One-time password code”.
- MFA needs to be reset so the account can be re-registered in Authenticator.
- After MFA is reset
Once support confirms MFA has been reset, sign in again. The system will prompt to set up Microsoft Authenticator from scratch. Follow the prompts carefully so the app shows a proper 6‑digit OTP code for that account.
If this is a work or school account and there is an IT/tenant administrator, that admin can also work with Microsoft support (Data Protection team) to reset the MFA for the account.
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