Authenticator 8 digit code vs 6 digit code

Question

My Microsoft Authenticator app is giving an 8 digit code vs the 6 digit code that is required for me to sign-in to a site. How can I get this changed to 6 digits?

Answer 1

You cannot change an existing eight-digit Authenticator code to six digits; register the site as a separate account in Authenticator and use the six-digit code generated for that new entry.

Register the site again

1. Sign in to the affected site and open its Security, Two-step verification, or MFA settings.
2. Choose Add authenticator app, Set up authenticator, or an equivalent option.
3. When the site displays a QR code, open Microsoft Authenticator.
4. Select + → Add account.
5. Choose the applicable account type:
   • Other account (Google, Facebook, etc.) for most third-party sites.
   • Work or school account if this is a Microsoft organizational account.
6. Scan the QR code displayed by the site.
7. A new entry should appear in Authenticator. Enter the code from that entry, not the eight-digit code from the existing account.

Authenticator supports multiple independent accounts, and each site must be enrolled using the QR code or setup key supplied by that site.^1^ A closely matching case involving a vendor portal was resolved by using the portal’s separate account entry rather than attempting to convert the existing eight-digit code.^2^

If it is a Microsoft work or school account

Open the account’s Security info page, then:

1. Select Add sign-in method.
2. Choose Microsoft Authenticator → Add.
3. Continue until the QR code appears.
4. In Authenticator, select + → Work or school account → Scan QR code.
5. Complete the test verification.

If you cannot reach Security info because the six-digit prompt blocks access, ask the organization’s IT administrator to reset or require re-registration of your MFA methods. Do not delete the existing Authenticator entry first, because that could remove your remaining way to approve sign-in.

If it is a personal Microsoft account

Go to the Microsoft account Security tab and select:

Manage how I sign in → Add a new way to sign in or verify → Use an app.^3^

If the site is not Microsoft-operated and it does not offer a QR code or setup key, its support team must reset two-factor authentication for your account. The code format is determined during the site’s enrollment process, not by a setting in Authenticator.

Never provide an Authenticator code to anyone by phone, text, or email. Verification codes change every 30 seconds and should be entered only into the sign-in page you initiated.^4^

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References

1. [Other](https://support.microsoft.com/authenticator/how-to-add-your-accounts-to-microsoft-authenticator)
2. Authenticator App not working for personal and work emails - Microsoft Q&A
3. Microsoft account security info & verification codes | Microsoft Support
4. Microsoft Authenticator FAQs | Microsoft Support