Microsoft authenticator app

beachBOYken · 28 Apr 2021 at 09:22

Hi

Just a little confused about the OTP codes for microsoft account, how comes its an 8 digit one time code in this app?

Other account are using 6 digits.

It seems to use the passwordless method to sign into MS account, so Im wondering where, if ever I would require the 8 digit code?

chroniclard · 28 Apr 2021 at 09:31

Signing into new devices/places. It will ask for your login details then the code.

d_brennen · 28 Apr 2021 at 09:34

It's a bit weird, my decades old Hotmail has an 8 digit OTP while recent O365 admin accounts are 6 digits. Didn't actually realise how much I use Authenticator!

beachBOYken · 28 Apr 2021 at 12:45

chroniclard said:
Signing into new devices/places. It will ask for your login details then the code.

d_brennen said:
It's a bit weird, my decades old Hotmail has an 8 digit OTP while recent O365 admin accounts are 6 digits. Didn't actually realise how much I use Authenticator!

I see, been using google authenticator, but changed to MS as it has the backup feature. Not tried signing into a new device yet, but it's pretty neat how it just requests you to approve the login via your phone using passcode or face ID.

Django x2 · 5 May 2021 at 08:14

beachBOYken said:
I see, been using google authenticator, but changed to MS as it has the backup feature. Not tried signing into a new device yet, but it's pretty neat how it just requests you to approve the login via your phone using passcode or face ID.

Yes, the OTP basically becomes defunct unless the push service is down so you can choose to authenticate with another method. Just please please please back up the authenticator, and check it. If you sell your phone and wipe it, you'll potentially lock yourself out of your account or tenant.