Microsoft is preparing to phase out SMS verification for personal Microsoft accounts, pushing people toward passkeys as the main way to sign in. The change means the familiar six digit code sent by text message will no longer remain a long term login option.
The company has been moving in this direction for a while. New Microsoft accounts already started using passkeys by default last year, and this next step brings older accounts closer to the same passwordless future.
The reason is security. SMS codes are better than using only a password, but they are not the safest form of account protection. Text messages can be intercepted, stolen through SIM swap attacks, or abused through phishing. Microsoft has also warned that SMS based authentication is now a major source of fraud.
Passkeys work differently. Instead of relying on a password or a code sent to your phone, a passkey uses two linked keys. One stays on your device and is protected by your fingerprint, face scan, or PIN. The other stays with the website or service. A login works only when both parts match.
| Login method | How it works | Main issue |
|---|---|---|
| SMS code | Sends a six digit code to your phone | Can be targeted by SIM swap and phishing attacks |
| Password | Uses a saved or remembered text password | Can be guessed, reused, leaked, or stolen |
| Passkey | Uses device based secure keys with biometrics or PIN | Some older setups may not support it smoothly yet |
For most people, switching to a passkey should make Microsoft account sign ins safer and easier. You will not need to wait for a text message, copy a code, or worry as much about someone stealing your password. Your device becomes the trusted part of the login process.
The change may still create problems in some situations. Passkeys do not work equally well everywhere yet. For example, logging into Windows on a virtual machine or using older devices could become confusing if SMS codes disappear before every alternative is fully ready.
Microsoft has not given an exact date for when SMS verification will be removed. It has only suggested the change is coming soon. That means it is better to prepare now rather than wait until the option disappears.
The safest step is to add a passkey to your Microsoft account while SMS verification is still available. You should also review your backup sign in methods, update your recovery email, and make sure your trusted devices are current.
This change may feel inconvenient at first, especially for people who are used to text message codes. But Microsoft’s direction is clear. Passwords and SMS codes are slowly being pushed aside, and passkeys are becoming the new default for personal account security.
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