Cannot get code on Authenticator

Question

My account is in Authenticator but not giving correct code I need 6 digits and it’s giving 8

Answer 1

The 8‑digit code shown in Microsoft Authenticator does not match what the site is asking for because different services use different OTP formats and MFA configurations. When a site expects a 6‑digit code but the app shows 8 digits, the stored Authenticator entry is not the correct type for that sign‑in, or the MFA profile on the service side is misconfigured or stuck.

To resolve this, the MFA registration for that account must be reset and re‑registered so that the correct OTP format is issued:

1. Sign in to the account’s admin or security portal (for work/school accounts, this is typically via Microsoft Entra or the organization’s admin center) using another available method if possible (backup email, SMS, another admin account, or a different Global Administrator).
2. In the Microsoft Entra admin center, go to:
   • Identity → Users → All users
   • Select the affected user
   • Open Authentication methods
   • Select Require re‑register MFA
3. Sign out and sign back in as the affected user. During sign‑in, complete MFA using any available fallback method, then follow the prompt to set up Microsoft Authenticator again. This will create a fresh registration and the app will start showing the correct OTP format (typically 6 digits) for that service.

If this is a personal or small‑tenant scenario and there is no other admin, contact Microsoft Support and request escalation to the Data Protection team to reset MFA for the account, as they can verify identity and clear the stuck MFA profile when self‑service options are not available.

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References:

• Reset Personal Azure MFA - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A

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