Microsoft account phone security code

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freitasm

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#138529 7-Jan-2014 22:52

I currently have my Microsoft account set to send me a SMS when trying to use more sensitive areas of my account.

The problem I am seeing is that this code is not always received. For example tonight I tried logging in, was asked for the code but never received the SMS. Used the alternate method via email. I tried then adding the same number and the cofirmation code was received. Tried again and the code was not received.

I suspect Microsoft is using some SMS provider that either has problems with Vodafone interconnect or is trying to use a cheap route that is not always sending through to Vodafone.

Anyone else seeing this?

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#962833 7-Jan-2014 22:55

Why not use Google Authenticator (or MS Authenticator if you're on Windows Phone)?

freitasm

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#962835 7-Jan-2014 22:59

Funny thing is... I "trusted" the SMS option to be always there on my phone. Perhaps should really just go for the authenticator option.

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#962841 7-Jan-2014 23:09

Had the same issues with googles SMS's - would often wait ages, not get anything so hit the call me instead option, get the call and then after the call get a SMS with the same number in it.

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Snowflake

#962846 7-Jan-2014 23:22

I often have problems with the SMS's. Either slow or non delivery. Both on 2deg and on Telecom now too (and not just for Microsoft services). I switched account to use the "phone" authentication instead (I,e. robot calls mobile and reads out code) and that has never failed once.

The authenticator apps are a great option - and they work 'offline' too.

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Snowflake

#962847 7-Jan-2014 23:23

freitasm: Funny thing is... I "trusted" the SMS option to be always there on my phone. Perhaps should really just go for the authenticator option.

in general I've found SMS to be pretty unreliable in new Zealand.

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#962852 7-Jan-2014 23:26

what network are you on Mauricio? I use the SMS 2FA virtually everyday, my phone is on Vodafone and its been months since I've noticed an issue.

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#962853 7-Jan-2014 23:27

nathan: what network are you on Mauricio? I use the SMS 2FA virtually everyday, my phone is on Vodafone and its been months since I've noticed an issue.

freitasm: I suspect Microsoft is using some SMS provider that either has problems with Vodafone interconnect or is trying to use a cheap route that is not always sending through to Vodafone.

Anyone else seeing this?

freitasm

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#962876 7-Jan-2014 23:47

As above, on Vodafone.

Just enabled authenticator now anyway. I used to have it on but changing handsets frequently was causing problems - the only constant thing was the phone number. Now that the SMS turned to be unreliable I am back to authenticator.

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nathan

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#962881 7-Jan-2014 23:59

is this just a once off, or are you seeing this regularly?

Can you PM me your MSA address and phone number please

freitasm

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#962886 8-Jan-2014 00:07

It happened last week twice and three times today.

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#963112 8-Jan-2014 10:43

I've been seeing this over several months. Particularly an issue when my skydrive gets randomly locked out for TOS breaches (few excel and word docs is all I have there). Get in to a loop of failure with call/text verification and eventually get through via online support and after 2 days they unlock it and say it was never locked and I haven't breached the TOS.

I know the skydrive issue is well off topic, but the text/phone calls definitely never comes through on 2degrees for me. Google ones are fine, texts sometimes delayed, phone calls always immediate.

Once queried it with microsoft, they said check my number is correct... then affirmed the system is fine which it clearly isn't.

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#963138 8-Jan-2014 11:22

After investigating my original issue with some Vodafone help we can see the SMS being sent to the handset (Nokia Lumia 1020). The handset is not showing anything. Next obvious step is to try the SIM on another handset now...

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#963361 8-Jan-2014 16:37

Batwing: I've been seeing this over several months. Particularly an issue when my skydrive gets randomly locked out for TOS breaches (few excel and word docs is all I have there). Get in to a loop of failure with call/text verification and eventually get through via online support and after 2 days they unlock it and say it was never locked and I haven't breached the TOS. I know the skydrive issue is well off topic, but the text/phone calls definitely never comes through on 2degrees for me. Google ones are fine, texts sometimes delayed, phone calls always immediate.

Once queried it with microsoft, they said check my number is correct... then affirmed the system is fine which it clearly isn't.

if you PM me your Microsoft Account name and cell number I'll get someone to look into the SkyDrive lockouts and 2FA SMS messages not being received. Also if you can remember roughly when you did the request to logon

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#963365 8-Jan-2014 16:46

I have seen some fairly long SMS delays with FB - hours (!)

Google has always been quite timely (I'm on VF), but I prefer to use Google auth when I can.

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#963371 8-Jan-2014 17:00

I use the authenticator app on my Windows Phone for both Microsoft and Google online services. SMS is a hit and miss with both services. Calling works 100% of the time as well with both services.

Do whatever you want to do man.

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