2-Step Authentication - Microsoft Support (2024)

FAQs

Why is 2-step verification not working? ›

It may be because the time isn't correctly synced on your Google Authenticator app. On the next screen, the app confirms the time has been synced. You should be able to sign in. The sync will only affect the internal time of your Google Authenticator app, and will not change your device's Date & Time settings.

Go to your device's Settings and make sure push notifications are enabled and you have network connectivity. You can also remove your account and attempt the sign-in again. If you are still not able to add your account, please contact Support for personal accounts or reach out to your IT admin for work/school accounts.

After the account.live.com page has opened, select Security & Privacy, go to More Security Settings, scroll down and select Set up two-step verification. You'll have the option to confirm your identity via email, phone or the Microsoft account App.

MFA is more secure than 2FA. But many companies still use 2FA for two reasons. One, it's cheaper and easier to setup. Most software suites support 2FA, but not all of them support MFA.

The Microsoft Authenticator app requires an internet connection to send verification codes. Check if the app has the necessary permissions to send notifications. On your mobile device, go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Authenticator > Permissions, and ensure that the app has permission to send notifications.

On the Security info page, select the Delete link next to the Authenticator app. Select Yes when asked to confirm to delete the authenticator app. After the authenticator app is deleted, it's removed from your security info, and it disappears from the Security info page.

Phone Settings: Make sure that your phone's SMS settings are not blocking or filtering messages from unknown or spam sources. Sometimes, these settings can prevent you from receiving codes. Try a Different Browser: If you're using a web browser for the login, try a different one.

Websites usually give a recovery code to you when you enable 2FA on your account. Use your recovery code to get access to your account. If you don't have a recovery code go to the site's support and ask them to disable two factor authentication on your account for you.

How to get past 2-step verification if you lost your phone? ›

If you've lost access to your 2FA device, you can recover your account by using backup codes, alternative recovery options like a secondary email or phone number, or by contacting customer support. Be ready to confirm your identity by answering a few security questions or providing proof of ID.

Causes of Not Receiving Verification Code Texts on Android

You provided the wrong phone number. Your inbox is full. Your phone is set to block messages from unknown senders. Your phone carrier is blocking the message.

If you're not getting the app notification for 2-step verification, check that: wifi or mobile/cellular data is turned on. you're checking the app on a device you set as trusted. you don't have power saver mode on.

Problems logging into your account

The most common cause of 2-factor authentication problems is that the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication. Then tap Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.