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That verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method.

Alex P 25 Reputation points
2025-09-16T23:54:45.75+00:00

Hi.

I seem to be stuck trying to login into an Outlook.com

Recently my phone with Microsoft Authenticator got a factory reset and now I'm left with 2 verification options: SMS code and an email to another account. I can get a code on my other account, but SMS gives me "That verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method." Since I'm using 2-factor authentication, this effectively means that I am locked out from my account that is essential for me (I've been using it for 10+ years). I tried waiting for 24 hours, but it still gives me the same message. I know that SMS code worked before with the same number, as during a recovery of this account I could use it successfully, but now it is unavailable. What could be the case?

Additionally, I do have recovery codes, but with 2-factor authentication activated these will only unlock my account in 30 days, which is too long, considering that the account I'm trying to recover is my main account for OTPs and such.

I can't even talk to a Microsoft Support as the site gives me "Currently phone and chat support may not be available.  We are truly sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to restore these services as soon as possible."

Any help is appreciated, thank you!

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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Answer accepted by question author

Darhyl Amizola 43,535 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-09-17T00:31:44.1933333+00:00

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Based on your description and the error message you provided, your account is temporarily blocked. According to the official Microsoft website: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did

"Sometimes you may encounter a block when trying to sign. We understand this can be frustrating and disruptive, but here are some of the reasons behind blocks, and guidance on how to overcome them.

  1. Unusual activity. You may be blocked due to unusual activity. Microsoft works to protect you, your accounts, and our services by assessing the trustworthiness and credibility of every sign-in, sign-up, or customer interaction. If your actions trigger alerts or deviate significantly from your typical patterns, we might interpret it as potentially risky behavior, leading to temporary block.
  2. High volume of requests. Excessive or repetitive requests to alternative emails or phone numbers can cause us to block you. This can result in temporary or permanent blocks.
  3. Violation of Terms of Service. Engaging in activities that violate the account service's terms of service can result in an account block.
  4. There may be heavy compromised traffic coming from your geographical location and to protect you, we may also block your account. While rare, these issues will be automatically resolved after a certain period of time.

How to resolve an account block:

  1. Try another method: Sometimes the block may be tied to the verification method you are using. Try using another verification method connected to your account. For example, if you are using SMS to verify yourself and are hitting a block, try using an alternate email that is connected to the account to receive your authorization code.
  2. Try another network: Try switching between Wi-Fi or cellular data on your mobile device, or select a different Wi-Fi network if possible.
  3. Wait: Sometimes waiting a day can be enough to remove a block. Don't make lots of repeated attempts, as this may reset any time lock. If there's no change after 24 hours, wait a longer period - as long as possible up to 1 week.
  4. Try the sign-in helper: For all sign-in issues, use this troubleshooter to help identify your problem and provide available support options. https://support.microsoft.com/home/contact?linkquery=Help%20me%20sign%20in%20to%20my%20Microsoft%20account "

Thank you for your kindness and understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

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  1. Alex P 25 Reputation points
    2025-09-24T14:52:55.6233333+00:00

    Hi, I'll update this topic just in case more people are facing the same issue.

    I'll expand on Darhyl Amizola's advises, and describe 2 things which worked for me:

    1. Recovery codes. These worked, but required 30 days of wait time, since I used 2-factor authentication.
    2. Waiting for 7 days. In my case waiting for 30 days wasn't an option. I tried waiting for 24 hours, but it didn't help, so I decided to wait for 7+ days since my last login attempt and it finally worked: I've got my SMS with the code.

    Also a couple of warnings from myself:

    1. It might be region-related, but in my case I couldn't send more than 2 SMS codes per day. Trying to send more than that resulted in "Please try another method", so patience is the key here.
    2. Microsoft uses some weird press-and-hold CAPTCHA, which I couldn't pass for one of my accounts. Luckily there is an "Accessibility" button (human figure depicted within a circle), pressing it resulted in a different kind of test that I could pass.

    I hope this answer will be useful for someone, because the whole experience is quite obscure and stressful compared to Google password recovery process, for example.

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  2. Darhyl Amizola 43,535 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-18T00:51:29.4166667+00:00

    I appreciate the response, and let's hope for the best!

    Best regards,

    Darhyl

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