Microsoft is officially killing SMS verification for personal accounts
Microsoft is discontinuing SMS verification for personal accounts, encouraging users to adopt passkey authentication. This shift is aimed at enhancing security, as SMS-based authentication has become a significant fraud risk. Users are advised to transition to passkeys, which utilize device-stored keys and biometric data for safer logins.
- ▪Microsoft is phasing out SMS login codes for personal accounts.
- ▪The company is pushing users toward more secure passkey authentication methods.
- ▪SMS-based authentication is now considered a leading source of fraud.
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News Microsoft is officially killing SMS verification for personal accounts Microsoft is phasing out SMS login codes for personal accounts. Passkeys are the future, even if they don't work everywhere yet. By Mikael Markander Contributor, PCWorld May 19, 2026 9:18 am PDT Image: PCWorld Summary created by Smart Answers AIIn summary:Microsoft is officially discontinuing SMS verification for personal account logins, pushing users toward more secure passkey authentication methods.PCWorld reports that SMS-based authentication represents a major fraud risk, prompting Microsoft’s aggressive transition to biometric and PIN-based passkeys.Users should switch to passkeys soon, which use device-stored keys and biometric data for enhanced two-factor authentication security.
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