Why isn’t my 2FA code working all of a sudden?
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Two-factor authentication (2FA) — a security feature that requires a time-sensitive code from an authenticator app to log in — can stop generating valid codes when your device's clock falls out of sync. If your 2FA codes suddenly stopped working after you've set up two-factor authentication, a time sync issue is almost always the cause.
2FA systems use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) — a global time standard — to generate and validate codes. Your device runs a time service to stay in sync with UTC. If that sync slips even slightly, your codes become invalid. Your device may fall out of sync because:
- You’ve manually configured the time on your device
- Your device has experienced clock drift — a gradual slipping of your device's internal clock away from the correct time
How to Fix Your 2FA Code
- Open your device settings.
- Find the Date & Time settings.
- Enable automatic time. Follow the guide for your device:
- Android: Set time, date & time zone
- Apple: Change the date and time on iPhone
Troubleshoot Your Authenticator App
For more help, follow the guide for your authenticator app:
- Authy: My Token Code Doesn't Work
- Google Authenticator: Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification