Microsoft Grapples with 504 Error Disrupting MFA Access for U.S. Users

Microsoft is currently managing a significant technical disruption affecting U.S.-based users who rely on multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access company services. The issue, reported by financial data platform Jin10, manifests as a 504 gateway timeout error that prevents users from completing the MFA verification process.

The 504 Gateway Timeout Issue

The 504 error represents a server-side failure where the gateway cannot receive a timely response from the backend system. In this instance, users attempting to authenticate through MFA encounter persistent timeout messages instead of successful credential verification. This type of error typically indicates infrastructure strain or temporary service degradation rather than a security breach. The situation is particularly concerning given MFA’s critical role as a fundamental security layer protecting user accounts and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Microsoft’s Response and Timeline

The software giant has acknowledged the problem and mobilized its technical teams to investigate the root cause. According to available reports, Microsoft is actively working to pinpoint the specific factors contributing to the 504 errors and restore normal authentication flows. The company remains committed to resolving the disruption and restoring full service functionality as quickly as possible. Users encountering the 504 error are advised to monitor official Microsoft status channels for updates on the resolution progress.