Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a critical layer of security for logging into your accounts, but many users experience an error message stating that their MFA token doesn’t match, especially after logging out and back in the next day. If this happens frequently, the issue is often not with your credentials but with your device’s system time.
Even a slight mismatch in your device's clock can cause time-based MFA apps (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) to generate incorrect tokens. Fortunately, there's a simple fix. Here’s how to correct your device’s time settings to ensure your MFA codes stay in sync.
🔧 How to Fix MFA Issues by Syncing Device Time
📱 For Android Users
Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Navigate to General Management (or use the search bar and type “Date and Time”)
🔍 Path: Settings > General Management > Date and Time
Toggle “Automatic date and time” to ON
This setting allows your phone to sync with the network time, ensuring your MFA codes are generated with the correct timestamp.
🍏 For iPhone Users
Most iPhones automatically set the correct time via Location Services, but if that’s turned off, the system time may fall out of sync. Here’s what to do:
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time
Ensure “Set Automatically” is turned ON
If you don't use Location Services, manually choose the correct time zone.
✅ Still Getting MFA Errors?
If you've corrected your time settings and still receive MFA errors, try these quick checks:
Make sure your MFA app is updated.
Sync the time within the app (some apps like Google Authenticator allow time sync).
Restart your phone and attempt to log in again.
📝 Final Thoughts
Ensuring your phone’s time is accurate might seem minor, but for MFA to work seamlessly, even a few seconds off can cause mismatches. By enabling automatic time settings, you align your device with the standard time used by authentication services, helping keep your login experience smooth and secure.