verification code

Question

change verification email address. not receiving codes

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

I understand that you are having trouble receiving verification codes.

May I please know if you have alternate security contact methods, such as a phone number or email address, currently active? Do you receive any error message when requesting the verification code?

Have you tried signing in to your account on a different device or in a different browser to see if you receive the verification code there?

If you no longer have access to your recovery verification methods, you will need to replace the security information in your account. However, if your recovery methods are active and you are still having trouble receiving the verification code, please refer to this article for reference -

Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues

Let me know if you still need more help.

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Answer 2

To change the verification email when codes are not being received, use an alternate working method and update the security info on the Microsoft account.

1. Check for common delivery issues:
   • Make sure the verification email is being sent to the correct address (primary alias or an email added as a way to verify sign-in).
   • Check the junk/spam folder for messages from an @accountprotection.microsoft.com address and mark it as a trusted sender.
   • Avoid making excessive or repetitive code requests, as this can cause temporary blocking of verification messages.
   • If using SMS, confirm the phone does not block texts from unknown numbers and that the inbox is not full.
2. If at least one verification method still works (another email or phone):
   1. Sign in to the Security basics page: https://account.microsoft.com/security
   2. Select Update info.
   3. Choose a method that works to receive a code.
   4. After signing in, add a new email address or phone number as a way to sign in or verify.
   5. Remove or replace the old verification email address after the new one is confirmed.
3. If using one Microsoft account to verify another (e.g., both are @outlook.com/@hotmail.com/@live.com/@msn.com):
   1. Open a browser in privacy/InPrivate mode.
   2. Sign in with the account that is asking for verification and leave that window open.
   3. Open a second privacy window and sign in to the alternate email account.
   4. Get the verification code from the message, then return to the first window and enter it.
4. If all security info is inaccessible but the password is known:
   1. Begin sign-in to the Microsoft account.
   2. At the “Verify your identity” prompt, select I don't have any of these.
   3. Follow the steps to replace the security info.
   4. After replacement, access to the account is restricted for 30 days before normal sign-in is allowed.
5. If neither the password nor any security method works:
   • Use the account recovery form after reviewing the guidance in Help with the Microsoft account recovery form, then submit a recovery request.

If verification codes still do not arrive after these steps, wait for any temporary blocks or regional SMS issues to clear, or use a different verification method (such as another email or a mobile number instead of VOIP).

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues