Microsoft Authentication App

Question

I downloaded the Microsoft Authentication App. I'm trying to login into the DFS ID webpage to renew a broker license. The app provides 8 digit code. The app requires 6 digits. How do I change from 8 to 6

Answer 1

The number of digits in the one-time password (OTP) is defined by the service that issued the secret, not by Microsoft Authenticator. Microsoft Authenticator cannot change an 8‑digit code to 6 digits.

What this means for the DFS ID site:

• If Microsoft Authenticator is showing an 8‑digit code for that account, then that account was set up as an 8‑digit OATH token.
• If the DFS ID page only accepts 6 digits, the site is expecting a different type of token (or a different registration) than the one currently configured in Authenticator.

To resolve this, use one of these approaches:

1. Remove and re-add the DFS ID account in Microsoft Authenticator using the QR code or setup key provided by DFS ID, making sure to follow their instructions exactly. If their system only supports 6‑digit TOTP, the new registration should create a 6‑digit entry in Authenticator.
2. If re-adding still produces an 8‑digit code, contact DFS ID or the licensing authority’s support and ask which authenticator format they support and how to register a 6‑digit TOTP token. They may need to reset your MFA registration on their side.

Microsoft Authenticator itself does not provide a setting to switch an existing account from 8‑digit to 6‑digit codes; the account must be re-provisioned according to the service’s requirements.

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References:

• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
• Use Microsoft Authenticator with Microsoft 365