Overview

Microsoft is retiring its native SMS and voice authentication services in Microsoft Entra ID and is transitioning users toward more secure, phishing-resistant authentication methods such as Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator, Passkey using FIDO2 security keys, and Microsoft Authenticator Number Matching. Starting September 1, 2026, eligible users may begin receiving Microsoft-managed prompts encouraging passkey registration. Beginning February 1, 2027, Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication services will be retired. Users who rely solely on SMS or voice authentication will need to register an alternative supported authentication method to continue signing in. 

What is Changing?

Microsoft is making passkeys the default authentication experience in Microsoft Entra ID. As part of this change:

September 1, 2026
Users enabled for SMS or voice authentication may begin receiving prompts encouraging them to register a passkey during sign in. According to Microsoft's current documentation, these prompts are intended to encourage registration and are not expected to block access.  

February 1, 2027
Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication services will be retired. Users whose only authentication methods are SMS or voice will be required to register a supported alternative authentication method in order to continue accessing their accounts.