My authenticator app 2FA code doesn't work ('Invalid code' / 'Permission denied' error) (2024)

FAQs

My authenticator app 2FA code doesn't work ('Invalid code' / 'Permission denied' error)? ›

As such, the “invalid code” error can appear if your devices are registering a time difference — and can even be only a few seconds with the Google Authenticator application. In this case, please try to synchronize the times between your devices and the Google Authenticator application.

If you are using the Google Authenticator App on an Android device and are continuously getting an Invalid Code message, the Authenticator app itself may be out of Sync with Google's Servers.

Authenticator apps rely on the time set on your device to create the authentication code. If the time on your device does not match the time on your computer then the code will not work. Check the time and date on your phone and make sure they match the computer or device you are logging in from.

If you are receiving an error 'Wrong Token' when entering your 2FA code, the most common cause is the time on your mobile device may be out of Sync with the date and time. Another common cause for the notification message may be due to the token being incorrect for the email of the account.

The most common cause for Incorrect Code errors is that the time on your device is not synced correctly. To make sure that you have the correct time in your Google Authenticator app, follow the instructions for your operating system below.

If you're getting an invalid verification code error, make sure you're using a single browser to login. Every code only works for the web browser you requested it on. For example, if you request a code on a Safari browser, you cannot enter the same code in a new Firefox browser, or even a new tab in the Safari browser.

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.

If you have forgotten your password and you've lost access to your two-factor authentication credentials, you can start account recovery to regain access to your account. You'll need to verify your identity using a recovery authentication factor, such as an SSH key or previously verified device.

What does invalid code mean? ›

This message means that the code has either expired or has been entered incorrectly. When entering the code, please ensure it is being input exactly as written, including any hyphens and that there are no spaces before or after the code.

The most common cause for "Incorrect Code" errors is that the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly. Follow the instructions to make sure that you have the correct time in your Google Authenticator app.

Even if the user doesn't respond to a push login request or doesn't enter a One-Time Password (OTP) when prompted, a hacker still knows they have a working password now; how, because the delay for the denied message takes longer... Most of us know where this is going; the hacker is persistent in their login attempts.

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.

If you're using mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and vice-versa. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Make sure you're using the latest version of Authenticator - Microsoft does not support any app versions more than 12 months old. Tap Settings and make sure App updates is turned on.

Two-factor authentication is a powerful security measure, but it is not impervious to hacking attempts. Hackers have devised various techniques to bypass 2FA and gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Let's explore some of the common methods used by hackers and the measures you can take to mitigate these risks.

There are two common reasons why the 2FA code from your phone's authenticator app won't work. Out-of-sync Time If you have access to your 2FA codes but are receiving an 'Invalid login' message, please update the time settings on your phone from Manual to Automatic and ensure the correct code is being used.

The most common cause for "Incorrect Code" errors is that the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly. Follow the instructions to make sure that you have the correct time in your Google Authenticator app.

If you're using mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and vice-versa. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Make sure you're using the latest version of Authenticator - Microsoft does not support any app versions more than 12 months old. Tap Settings and make sure App updates is turned on.

the authenticator app needs an internet connection to generate codes. If you're having trouble connecting to the internet, try restarting your device or switching to a different network. note: The authenticator app relies on the time and date on your device to generate codes.