Unable to receive SMS verification for Microsoft account with Authenticator enabled

Question

Unable to receive SMS verification for Microsoft account with Authenticator enabled

Mouad EL GHANIMI 20

I am trying to recover my Microsoft account (e**************@hotmail.com**) after losing the phone with the Microsoft Authenticator app installed. My registered phone number is still active, but the login page does not give me the option to receive a verification code by SMS.

I have tried:

Different devices

Different browsers

Different networks (Wi-Fi and mobile data)

Each time, I get either an error or the SMS option is not available. I have access to my recovery email and phone number.

My account is linked to important services like GitHub, so it is crucial I regain access. I believe the issue is related to the two-factor verification method, not my devices or browser.

Could someone advise on how to regain access to my account when SMS verification is unavailable and Authenticator is lost?

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Answer 1

Jeronimo Fuerte 45,750 Independent Advisor

Hi! Sorry to hear that you’re having trouble logging in. When you get the request to verify your account, please select “Use a different verification method” at the bottom. You’ll then see all the options available for your account, choose a different one. If you manage to pass one verification, then on the second attempt select that you don’t have any available and follow the prompts. In some cases, you may also get the option to add a new verification method after 30 days. Unfortunately, this will be the only option in your situation.

Mouad EL GHANIMI 20 Reputation points

2025-09-03T19:35:18.21+00:00

Hi Jeronimo, thank you for your reply.

I have tried every possible way to access my account, including selecting “Use a different verification method”.

Since I activated two-step verification, here is what happens:

On the first step, I choose my backup email address, receive the code, and enter it successfully.

Then, on the second step, it asks me to use my phone number. I enter the last 4 digits correctly, but I get the error: “This method doesn’t exist now, try another method.”

I stopped trying for 5 days, hoping the issue would resolve itself. However, today, when I tried again, the recovery process no longer shows either my backup email or my phone number. Instead, it only shows: “Try another verification method: that verification method isn’t working right now. Please try another method.”

Change: I got the option to add a new verification method after 30 days. thank you Jeronimo.