Magic Code Access Troubleshooting

Magic Code emails are critical for logging into your Expensify account. If you’re not receiving these emails, this guide provides step-by-step troubleshooting to help you regain access.


Quick Fixes for Users

Try these steps first before contacting support:

1. Wait and Check Basic Locations

  • Wait up to 10 minutes - Magic Codes may be delayed due to email processing
  • Check your spam/junk folder - Look specifically for emails from “expensify.com”
  • Search your entire inbox for “Expensify” to find filtered messages
  • Check your trash/deleted items folder

2. Improve Email Delivery

  • Add concierge@expensify.com to your contacts to prevent future filtering
  • Mark previous Expensify emails as “Not Spam” if found in spam folder
  • Create an email filter to direct all expensify.com emails to your inbox

3. Try Resending

  • Click “Resend Magic Code” on the login screen
  • Wait 2-3 minutes between resend attempts
  • Limit to 3 attempts before trying other solutions

Alternate Access Options

Use Backup Contact Methods

If you have multiple email addresses or phone numbers configured:

  1. Go to the “Can’t access your account?” link on the login page
  2. Try an alternate email if you have one configured
  3. Use phone verification if available for your account

Update Contact Methods

If you can access your account through alternate means:

  1. Go to Settings > Account > Contact Methods
  2. Add a backup email for future login issues
  3. Verify the new contact method before you need it

For IT Teams and Administrators

Email Server Diagnostics

Check these common blocking points:

  1. Review email server logs for messages from expensify.com
  2. Verify domain allowlist includes the full expensify.com domain
  3. Check third-party filters (Mimecast, Proofpoint, Barracuda, etc.)
  4. Confirm SPF/DKIM settings allow Expensify’s authentication

Allowlist Configuration

Ensure these domains and addresses are allowlisted:

  • Domain: expensify.com
  • Key addresses: concierge@expensify.com, receipts@expensify.com
  • IP ranges: Contact Expensify Concierge for current sending IP ranges

Test Email Delivery

  1. Send a test email to receipts@expensify.com from the affected domain
  2. Monitor server logs for delivery confirmation or bounce messages
  3. Check with your email provider about any recent filtering changes

When to Escalate

Contact Your IT Team If:

  • You work for a company with managed email (not Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
  • Error messages mention “mimecast,” “blacklist,” or filtering services
  • Multiple employees report similar email delivery issues
  • You’re using corporate Wi-Fi or VPN that might affect email

Contact Expensify Concierge If:

  • You use a personal email provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook.com, etc.)
  • Your IT team has confirmed allowlisting but you’re still blocked
  • You need immediate account access for business purposes
  • All troubleshooting steps have been completed without success

Information to Include When Contacting Support:

  • Your email domain (e.g., @company.com or @gmail.com)
  • Exact timestamp of your login attempt
  • Screenshots of any error messages
  • Steps you’ve already tried from this guide
  • Any bounce or SMTP error messages you received

FAQ

How long should I wait for a Magic Code?

  • Normal delivery: 1-3 minutes
  • Acceptable delay: Up to 10 minutes
  • Contact support if: No email after 10+ minutes

Can I log in without a Magic Code?

Magic Codes are required for security. However, you may be able to use:

  • Alternate email addresses configured on your account
  • Phone verification if enabled
  • SSO login if your company uses single sign-on

What if I keep getting re-blocked after unblocking?

This usually indicates:

  • Corporate email servers automatically re-blocking after bounce events
  • Third-party spam filters maintaining persistent blocks
  • Email configuration changes at your organization

Solution: Work with your IT team to implement permanent allowlisting rather than temporary unblocks.

Why do Magic Codes work sometimes but not others?

Common causes:

  • Email server load causing intermittent delays
  • Spam filter updates changing blocking behavior
  • Network connectivity issues between email providers
  • Corporate policy changes affecting email routing

Is it safe to add Expensify to my email allowlist?

Yes. Expensify emails are:

  • SPF and DKIM-signed to prevent spoofing
  • Cryptographically authenticated to verify legitimacy
  • Sent only from verified domains controlled by Expensify
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