How to Resolve Microsoft Authenticator 'Invalid Code' or 'Verification Failed' Errors on Your Phone

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Resolve Microsoft Authenticator 'Invalid Code' or 'Verification Failed' Errors on Your Phone. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Microsoft Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your Microsoft 365 account by generating time-based verification codes. Occasionally, you may see an “Invalid Code” or “Verification Failed” message when signing in. This usually happens because of time synchronisation issues, app glitches, or outdated settings. Follow the steps below to resolve the problem quickly.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your smartphone.
2. Ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
3. Open Microsoft Authenticator and generate a fresh code.
4. Enter the code immediately before it expires.

Detailed Instructions

1. Check Your Phone’s Date and Time Settings

Authenticator codes rely on your device’s internal clock. If the time is out by even a few seconds, codes will be rejected.

1. Android: Open Settings, then go to System > Date & time. Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
2. iPhone: Open Settings, then go to General > Date & Time. Enable Set Automatically.

2. Force Close and Reopen Microsoft Authenticator

If the app is frozen or not refreshing codes, restart it.

1. Android: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the recent apps button), then swipe the Microsoft Authenticator card away to close it. Reopen the app from your home screen.
2. iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle, then swipe up on the Microsoft Authenticator preview to close it. Tap the app icon to reopen.

3. Generate a New Code

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Tap your work or school account.
3. Copy the six-digit code shown.
4. Enter it on the Microsoft sign-in screen immediately. Codes refresh every 30 seconds.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

Microsoft Authenticator needs an active connection to sync with Microsoft servers.

• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or enable mobile data.
• Turn Airplane mode off and on again to refresh your connection.

5. Remove and Re-add Your Account

If the issue continues, re-adding your account often fixes synchronisation errors.

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Tap your account tile, then select Remove account.
3. On a computer, go to https://account.microsoft.com/security and sign in.
4. Under Advanced security options, choose Add a new way to sign in or verify > Use an app.
5. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code with Microsoft Authenticator on your phone.

Troubleshooting

Code Still Shows as Invalid

• Ensure you are entering the code for the correct account if you have multiple accounts in the app.
• Check that you are not copying an old code from a previous sign-in attempt.
• Confirm your phone’s time is set to automatic, as described above.

Cannot Receive Push Notifications

• Open Settings on your phone and check that notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator.
• Ensure Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is not blocking notifications.

Still Unable to Sign In

If none of the steps above work, you can reset your sign-in method through your Microsoft account security page, or Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services for further assistance.

Related: Password reset (Windows login)

Still Having Issues?