8 digit code and not a 6 digit code

Question

I need a 6 digit code to log into my college account and the authentication app is only giving me a 8 digit code. why can it not give a 6 digit code

Answer 1

The 8-digit code cannot be converted into the requested 6-digit code; Microsoft Authenticator must be registered specifically with your college work or school account.

An 8-digit code generally belongs to a personal Microsoft account, while the college sign-in is requesting the verification code associated with its organizational account. Authenticator can contain both account types, so displaying your personal account does not mean the college account is configured correctly.^1^

Register the college account

If you can access your college account’s security settings using another verification method:

1. Sign in to the Security info page using your college email address.
2. Check that the account shown is the college work or school account, not a personal Microsoft account using the same email address.
3. Select Add sign-in method and choose Microsoft Authenticator.
4. In Authenticator, tap + → Work or school account → Scan QR code.
5. Scan the QR code displayed by the college account’s Security info page.
6. Complete the test prompt, then retry the college login.

Microsoft Entra work or school accounts support Authenticator notifications and OATH verification codes, and their registrations can be managed from the Security info page.^2^

Do not delete the existing 8-digit entry unless you are certain it is unused. It may still be required for your personal Microsoft account.

If you cannot reach Security info

Select Sign in another way on the college login page and use another method previously registered, such as a text message, email, security key, or approval notification.

If no alternative works, contact the college’s IT help desk and ask them to reset or require re-registration of your MFA/Authenticator methods. This cannot normally be corrected solely within the phone app when the existing college registration is inaccessible.

The college administrator can perform this in:

1. Microsoft Entra admin center → Entra ID → Users.
2. Select your college user account.
3. Open Authentication methods.
4. Select Require re-register MFA.

That action removes the affected authentication registrations and prompts you to configure a new method at the next sign-in.^3^

When contacting the help desk, say:

“My college login requests a 6-digit Authenticator code, but Authenticator only shows an 8-digit code for a personal Microsoft account. Please reset my Microsoft Entra MFA registration so I can register the college work or school account again.”

---

References

1. Authenticator generates 8 digits and Azure requires 6 digits - Microsoft Q&A
2. Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
3. Manage user authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication