Microsoft Is Scrapping SMS 2FA Codes—What You Need To Do

InnovationCybersecurityMicrosoft Is Scrapping SMS 2FA Codes—What You Need To DoByDavey Winder,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Davey Winder is a veteran cybersecurity writer, hacker and analyst.Follow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 10:45am EDTMay 21, 2026, 10:46am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Microsoft starts scrapping 2FA SMS codes.gettyMicrosoft has confirmed it is starting to phase out SMS as a method of authentication, as well as account recovery, for all personal Microsoft accounts. If you use SMS as your primary 2FA code delivery mechanism, you had better pay attention and change to something else as soon as possible to prevent login problems down the line. The short message service has been the default text protocol to send messages between mobile devices for the longest time. But all bad things come to an end, and SMS is truly that as far as security is concerned. That’s what so many people have moved to using encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. It’s also why Microsoft has announced that it is scrapping the use of two-factor authentication codes sent using SMS for logging into personal Microsoft accounts. ForbesMicrosoft Confirms Surprising Edge Password Security U-TurnBy Davey WinderMicrosoft Explains Why It Is Scrapping SMS Authentication“SMS-based authentication is now a leading source of fraud,” Microsoft has said, “and by moving to passwordless accounts, passkeys, and verified email, we're helping you stay ahead of evolving threats while making account access simpler and more seamless.”That fraud comes in many guises, from attacks targeting senior citizens to SMS pumping attacks that target phone bills, but the type of fraud that Microsoft is addressing with this change is directed at account authentication. It doesn’t take a tech genius to realize that transmitting 2FA codes in plain text,...