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I am not receiving verification code by SMS

vivsef 0 Reputation points
2026-03-18T23:39:30.0933333+00:00

When i reset my password I receive my verification code by sms. However when i try to add a secondary email and require an sms validation code it does not come to my mobile. what can i do to fix this problem?

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-18T23:39:41.5933333+00:00

    Several things can prevent SMS verification codes from arriving, even if password‑reset codes work.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Avoid repeated requests
      • Do not click “send code again” many times or switch methods repeatedly. Excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to temporarily block sending verification codes.
    2. Wait out temporary security blocks or traffic issues
      • If Microsoft detects unusual activity or heavy compromised traffic from the region, it may temporarily stop or delay sending codes. These issues resolve automatically after some time, so wait and try again later.
    3. Check phone and SMS settings
      • Confirm the phone is turned on, has signal, and can receive standard SMS from other senders.
      • Make sure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
      • If unknown senders are blocked, change this setting, then choose the option like I don't have a code on the verification page to have a new code sent.
      • Ensure the SMS inbox is not full and that the default messaging app is working correctly (clear storage or restart the app/phone if needed).
    4. Confirm the number type and correctness
      • VOIP numbers cannot be used to receive verification codes. Use a mobile phone number instead.
      • On the verification screen, only the last two digits of the phone number are shown. Make sure they match the mobile number on file.
      • If needed, sign in (using a method that works, such as email verification) and check the security info:
        1. Go to the Security info page for the Microsoft account.
        2. Select Update info.
        3. Confirm the phone number is correct, or choose I don't have any of these to replace the security info.
    5. Check for email alternatives while troubleshooting SMS
      • Since email verification works, use the working email method to access the account and adjust security info if necessary.
    6. If codes still do not arrive
      • You may need to choose another verification method (email, authenticator app, or security key) until SMS works again.
      • If sign-in becomes a problem, use the sign-in helper tool or contact Microsoft Support from the official support page. Note that support agents cannot send verification codes or change account security info on behalf of the user.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Alice-N 10,280 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-20T23:49:23.26+00:00

    Hi vivsef

    I hope you are doing well ! I just want to check if you have had a chance to check my reply earlier? Please let me know.

    Look forward to hearing from you. Have a lovely day!

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  3. Alice-N 10,280 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-19T07:11:59.8566667+00:00

    Dear vivsef

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand you are having problem with an Outlook.com security change: you can receive SMS codes for password reset, but when adding a secondary email the required SMS validation code never arrives. I am happy to assist you. 

    Please try these workarounds:  

    • Add Microsoft Authenticator as your verification method, then retry the security change 
    • Add the secondary email as a “new way to verify sign-in” from the Security page (email-code validation instead of SMS) 
      • Go to account.microsoft.com/security > Manage how I sign in.  
      • Select Add a new way to sign in or verify > choose Email address.  
      • Enter the new email and complete validation using the code sent to that email.  
    • Generate a Recovery code now (backup path if verification methods become unavailable later) 
    • If you still must use SMS, visit verification-code troubleshooter and, if needed, use another verification method. 

    Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!   

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".    

    Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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