PA UC two-factor authentication not working on iPhone - no option to select code delivery method
So frustrated with the PA unemployment website! They apparently just updated to two-factor authentication (which is good for security I guess), but it's completely broken on iPhone. When I try to log in, it says 'How should we send your code?' but there's literally NO options to click or select anything! Just a blank space where I assume buttons should be. I've tried Safari and Chrome browsers, same issue. Has anyone else run into this? Any workarounds? I need to file my weekly claim by tomorrow!
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Kingston Bellamy
SAME ISSUE HERE!! Been trying since yesterday morning. The website is ALWAYS broken in some new creative way. I had to borrow my neighbor's laptop to file last week. Try using desktop mode in your browser settings - didn't work for me but might for you?
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Morita Montoya
•Thanks, I'll try desktop mode. This is ridiculous though... not everyone has access to computers these days. Some people ONLY have phones!
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Joy Olmedo
This is a known issue with the new security update they implemented on March 3rd, 2025. The two-factor authentication works fine on desktop but has compatibility issues with mobile browsers. Here's what you can do: 1. Try using "Request Desktop Site" in your browser settings (as mentioned above) 2. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely 3. If that doesn't work, you need to call the PA UC service center to request a temporary bypass code Unfortunately the mobile interface won't be fixed until their next maintenance window according to the PA Labor website.
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Morita Montoya
•Thanks for the detailed info! I tried desktop mode but still nothing. I guess I'll have to call... but we all know how that goes. 😩
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Isaiah Cross
•If you need to reach someone at PA UC quickly, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was having the same 2FA problem last week and kept getting busy signals when calling direct. Used their service and got through to a rep in about 15 minutes who gave me a bypass code. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Kiara Greene
mine wasn't working either!!! but i figured it out - if you turn your phone to landscape mode the buttons magically appear! worth trying before you go through the hassle of calling them
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Morita Montoya
•OMG THAT WORKED!! Thank you so much! I would have never thought to try that. What a weird glitch.
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Evelyn Kelly
The real problem is they keep updating these systems without testing them properly. I bet they never even TRIED using it on an iPhone before launching. My wife works in IT and says government contracts never include proper mobile testing because they're always going with the lowest bidder. The state spends millions on these systems that don't work half the time.
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Paloma Clark
•Exactly! And they expect us to file on time every week or lose benefits, but they can't even keep their own website working! The double standard is ridiculous.
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Heather Tyson
i had this problem to but i just gave up n used my daughters laptop. landscape mode is smart idea tho. also anyone else notice the website is always down for "maintenance" right when claims are due? feels like they do that on purpose lol
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Joy Olmedo
•For anyone still having issues, the PA UC help desk confirmed they're releasing a patch next Tuesday that should fix the mobile interface problems with two-factor authentication. In the meantime, landscape mode works for most iPhone users, and Android users should update their browsers to the latest version.
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Morita Montoya
UPDATE: For anyone who finds this thread later - the landscape mode trick worked for me! Once I rotated my phone, the options for text/email appeared. Thanks everyone for your help! Claim is finally filed.
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Kingston Bellamy
•Glad it worked! I'll try that next time. Still think it's ridiculous they can't test these things properly before releasing them.
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Ezra Bates
Just wanted to add another workaround that worked for me - if landscape mode doesn't work for you, try opening the PA UC site in an incognito/private browsing window. Something about the cached data was interfering with the 2FA buttons loading properly. Had to do this plus clear my cookies, but then the text/email options showed up normally in portrait mode. Hope this helps someone else who's struggling with this mess!
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