bing rewards cooldown duration Aug 2025

Question

bing rewards cooldown duration Aug 2025

j t 75

Looks like I got hit with Bing Rewards cooldown. Used to be 15 min. Now it is a lot longer. How can I tell the new cooldown duration ?

Better yet, how do I not get hit with the cooldown.

I have the Bing App and search / click on what shows in the app. So do not know why I got hit with the cooldown.

TIA.

Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-07T15:40:51.42+00:00

I also got hit with a Bing rewards cooldown! I couldn't collect any points in the app on my phone (I also search/click on what shows in the app), and the points earned through searches on my computer are not posting. Could it be a Microsoft glitch with Bing?
Shelly 45 Reputation points

2025-08-08T00:33:45.3133333+00:00

I just noticed this today too. Have you figured it out yet? I tried setting a 15 minute timer and a 20 minute timer but it still is longer than that. It almost appears that if you try to search before your cooldown time is up, the timer starts over!
Farzad Sadeghi 25 Reputation points

2025-08-08T10:20:49.3666667+00:00

same for me...after months of 15 min cooldown, it is now 30 min cooldown for 4 searches.
Parrotisla 155 Reputation points

2025-08-08T11:17:00.45+00:00

Quite Frankly this is BS. It told me my activity was suspicious. Then enacted a cool down after 3 searches. I haven't violated any terms of service to deserve this. I have one account and have had this account for well over 20 years. So what gives? Why am I being punished for being a legit loyal user.
Private User 85 Reputation points

2025-08-08T12:42:23.4966667+00:00

It is incredibly frustrating to be punished for being a loyal user of Bing. The Microsoft Rewards are what got me into using it, and I enjoyed being able to go down a rabbit hole of information when I found a topic that interested me. Now, I am getting no Rewards for it and my activity is labeled "suspicious" and throttled. Why are we being punished for clicking on topics that Bing suggests? Why are we being punished for using the app they present to us? Why would we not go through them all at once? I liked to go through mine every morning, like it was the morning paper.

Seems like Bing wants to drive loyal users away, and they just might.
Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-08T13:42:46.0233333+00:00

I agree, for all the same reasons!
Travis Fisher 35 Reputation points

2025-08-11T02:38:47.86+00:00

Same for me, though it seems the delay is even longer (or potentially variable?)- I can do 4 searches, then have to wait anywhere between 30-60 minutes. Happens on both PC and Bing App. This "prevent abuse" excuse is baloney. I can just about guarantee that the only thing we all have in common IS...we get all our daily points routinely. I do all my searches from one account, on one phone and one PC. The other musing I've had? I make a game of it, I'll do searches like "fruits" or "animals." I wonder if that screws up their advertising algorithm, and maybe I'm getting penalized for that.
Parrotisla 155 Reputation points

2025-08-11T11:07:41.8866667+00:00

Travis, What was odd for me was I went to my parents house in another state for a few days and only did my points on the cell phone. I didn't get any desktop points the whole time. The first day back after 3 searches I get flagged. I even had a few days that previous week where I didn't get all of my points. So I am not even consistent everyday to maximizing. So whatever BS algorithm they are using they are not taking that into account.
Forever Finite 20 Reputation points

2025-08-11T23:34:06.21+00:00

I used Microsoft Rewards points to pay for "Game Pass Ultimate" each month.

I will be forced to pay the $15 each month, but I will remove Bing and Microsoft Edge from my Phone and PC.

There are most likely enough people to file a class action claim for damages.

Also. If enough people uninstalled Bing on all devices, they might be forced to back pedal.
Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-12T16:40:31.9533333+00:00

I guess if there is a daily limit to the number of points you can collect, I don't understand the need for a "cool down" period at all. So - Someone wants to collect all their daily allowance of points during one sitting. I don't understand why this is a problem for Microsoft.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-16T17:23:13.55+00:00

I got hit with the cooldown. Open several service requests which went unanswered except for one that told me my searches were suspicious. I’ve switched to Google for majority of my searches. After I reach my target points and cash in, I’ll use Goggle for all of my searches. Great way to run a business by driving users away and ignoring service requests
Evan Lu 5 Reputation points

2025-08-20T01:37:58.6233333+00:00

I had this for some time but I think it was because of the searches on the phone app. On the mobile app if you press search and scroll down you will see there is a search to earn with a lot of different searches that you tap. I think It flagged me because I was using those. Anyone know if it’s temporary?
UnwaryCoin9457 35 Reputation points

2025-08-28T19:51:19.1366667+00:00

I have a similar problem. Four searches every 15 minutes.
Rip Pedd 5 Reputation points

2025-08-30T04:45:00.2333333+00:00

What used to be an enjoyable 20-30 minutes searching random stories is now an absolutely stressful multiple times a day activity which I no longer enjoy.The only reason I do it now is to collect the points.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-30T05:48:34.95+00:00

Microsoft is suspending accounts without telling the user that their account has been suspended. The only way you find out is when you attempt to cash in your points. A new window opens that’s says, “Oops, it looks like your account has been suspended due to unusual activity.” It goes on to say that if you think this is a mistake, you should reach out to support. When you do open a service request, you’ll get an email response telling you that your searches are suspicious and a link to the “rules”. If you respond to the email, you are guaranteed to never hear from them again. If enough users stopped using Bing, Microsoft may realize that abusing and cheating their user base is not good for business.
Jessica Traver 30 Reputation points

2025-09-03T20:20:30.05+00:00

I am absolutely infuriated! I have been a loyal Microsoft Edge & Bing user for 20+ years. The cooldown period rule is just ridiculous. I've been so busy lately, I haven't even earned half my potential points for the day for several days, yet today I search for a song/artist and get a pop-up saying, "Your search earnings are temporarily paused." I reached out to MS Support before about my frustrations telling them that if this keeps up, I will just do all my search activities on Google Chrome. At least I don't get hassle on that browser. And, if you're searching on a cell phone, sometimes the depiction auto-fill generates a search response before you can finish entering in what you're looking for! Or you get a response from Bing that isn't correct, so you search again with a variable search parameter to get an answer. Who cares if I don't get points for every search, but don't scold me and penalize me for utilizing your programs! I suggested to MS Support to have a badge for some of us legitimate users so we can be grandfathered in and bypass these "bot detectors" that mistake our honest utilizations for scams to rack up points- that take months and months to get anything worthwhile! The redemption should be flagged rather than the searches! How about that, Microsoft! You need to hear our frustrations and feedback and take it into consideration or else you're going to lose A LOT of loyal users and customers! Thank you for your time.
Alan Williams 5 Reputation points

2025-10-07T07:33:09.5633333+00:00

waste of time now what they have done with X box now rewards is a kick in the teeth to loyal customers canceled all microsoft subs and moving on from microsoft, no going back
Keith Crippen 5 Reputation points

2025-10-30T04:26:57.0566667+00:00

I only do the "Daily Set" and they still did the cooldowns and later even blocked me from using CoPilot on my phone.

According to Google Gemini... "The most common consequence of "abnormally searching" is the loss of your ability to earn and redeem Microsoft Rewards points. A full ban that affects all your other core Microsoft services (like Windows login, Outlook, and OneDrive) is rare for a Microsoft Rewards violation, unless the activity is considered severe enough to warrant a complete suspension of the entire Microsoft Account, which is a much higher-level action."

And CoPilot says... "If flagged, Microsoft Rewards may:

Pause your ability to earn points from searches temporarily

Enforce cooldown periods (e.g. 4 searches every 30 minutes)

Restrict redemption access for gift cards or sweepstakes

Label your activity as “suspicious”, which can affect your standing

Escalate to full account suspension in severe cases, impacting Outlook, OneDrive, or even Windows login access

These restrictions are often automated and can feel opaque or unfair, especially for users who follow the rules."

Answer accepted by question author

ffeJRxx-8774 125

looks like the same 30min cooldown timer applies to both desktop and mobile searches
4 every 30min = would take over 6 hours to finish the daily 20 on mobile and 30 desktop searches for max reward points per day

j t 75 Reputation points

2025-08-13T03:55:41.53+00:00

I chose this as the answer as it addressed my question of how long : 30 min

There is another answer below that talks about the why.
ffeJRxx-8774 125 Reputation points

2025-08-20T10:06:25.33+00:00

it may be 15-20min for 3 searches, but a longer wait 30+ can get 4 before hit with the cooldown again
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-24T19:55:33.4766667+00:00

Bing is now allowing me 4 searches every 30 minutes before the cooldown period starts. I also reset my default browser to Google so I don’t accidentally open Bing and extend the cooldown. All my searches are on Google during the cooldown. It takes all day to earn all the points. I’m close to cashing in for my next reward so after that, Google will be my main search engine. Too frustrating using Bing.
NJ 0 Reputation points

2025-09-28T10:34:36.1633333+00:00

Yep. Same here. Yesterday it was 15min intervals, now it's 30mins. Frustrating. Especially as there are 90 points across PC and 60 on mobile... That's almost a whole day having to specifically chime in for so Reward Points. I think they just want us to give up! Nope. Bleed them for everything they're worth!

2 additional answers

Your answer

Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-07T15:40:51.42+00:00

I also got hit with a Bing rewards cooldown! I couldn't collect any points in the app on my phone (I also search/click on what shows in the app), and the points earned through searches on my computer are not posting. Could it be a Microsoft glitch with Bing?
Shelly 45 Reputation points

2025-08-08T00:33:45.3133333+00:00

I just noticed this today too. Have you figured it out yet? I tried setting a 15 minute timer and a 20 minute timer but it still is longer than that. It almost appears that if you try to search before your cooldown time is up, the timer starts over!
Farzad Sadeghi 25 Reputation points

2025-08-08T10:20:49.3666667+00:00

same for me...after months of 15 min cooldown, it is now 30 min cooldown for 4 searches.
Parrotisla 155 Reputation points

2025-08-08T11:17:00.45+00:00

Quite Frankly this is BS. It told me my activity was suspicious. Then enacted a cool down after 3 searches. I haven't violated any terms of service to deserve this. I have one account and have had this account for well over 20 years. So what gives? Why am I being punished for being a legit loyal user.
Private User 85 Reputation points

2025-08-08T12:42:23.4966667+00:00

It is incredibly frustrating to be punished for being a loyal user of Bing. The Microsoft Rewards are what got me into using it, and I enjoyed being able to go down a rabbit hole of information when I found a topic that interested me. Now, I am getting no Rewards for it and my activity is labeled "suspicious" and throttled. Why are we being punished for clicking on topics that Bing suggests? Why are we being punished for using the app they present to us? Why would we not go through them all at once? I liked to go through mine every morning, like it was the morning paper.

Seems like Bing wants to drive loyal users away, and they just might.
Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-08T13:42:46.0233333+00:00

I agree, for all the same reasons!
Travis Fisher 35 Reputation points

2025-08-11T02:38:47.86+00:00

Same for me, though it seems the delay is even longer (or potentially variable?)- I can do 4 searches, then have to wait anywhere between 30-60 minutes. Happens on both PC and Bing App. This "prevent abuse" excuse is baloney. I can just about guarantee that the only thing we all have in common IS...we get all our daily points routinely. I do all my searches from one account, on one phone and one PC. The other musing I've had? I make a game of it, I'll do searches like "fruits" or "animals." I wonder if that screws up their advertising algorithm, and maybe I'm getting penalized for that.
Parrotisla 155 Reputation points

2025-08-11T11:07:41.8866667+00:00

Travis, What was odd for me was I went to my parents house in another state for a few days and only did my points on the cell phone. I didn't get any desktop points the whole time. The first day back after 3 searches I get flagged. I even had a few days that previous week where I didn't get all of my points. So I am not even consistent everyday to maximizing. So whatever BS algorithm they are using they are not taking that into account.
Forever Finite 20 Reputation points

2025-08-11T23:34:06.21+00:00

I used Microsoft Rewards points to pay for "Game Pass Ultimate" each month.

I will be forced to pay the $15 each month, but I will remove Bing and Microsoft Edge from my Phone and PC.

There are most likely enough people to file a class action claim for damages.

Also. If enough people uninstalled Bing on all devices, they might be forced to back pedal.
Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-12T16:40:31.9533333+00:00

I guess if there is a daily limit to the number of points you can collect, I don't understand the need for a "cool down" period at all. So - Someone wants to collect all their daily allowance of points during one sitting. I don't understand why this is a problem for Microsoft.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-16T17:23:13.55+00:00

I got hit with the cooldown. Open several service requests which went unanswered except for one that told me my searches were suspicious. I’ve switched to Google for majority of my searches. After I reach my target points and cash in, I’ll use Goggle for all of my searches. Great way to run a business by driving users away and ignoring service requests
Evan Lu 5 Reputation points

2025-08-20T01:37:58.6233333+00:00

I had this for some time but I think it was because of the searches on the phone app. On the mobile app if you press search and scroll down you will see there is a search to earn with a lot of different searches that you tap. I think It flagged me because I was using those. Anyone know if it’s temporary?
UnwaryCoin9457 35 Reputation points

2025-08-28T19:51:19.1366667+00:00

I have a similar problem. Four searches every 15 minutes.
Rip Pedd 5 Reputation points

2025-08-30T04:45:00.2333333+00:00

What used to be an enjoyable 20-30 minutes searching random stories is now an absolutely stressful multiple times a day activity which I no longer enjoy.The only reason I do it now is to collect the points.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-30T05:48:34.95+00:00

Microsoft is suspending accounts without telling the user that their account has been suspended. The only way you find out is when you attempt to cash in your points. A new window opens that’s says, “Oops, it looks like your account has been suspended due to unusual activity.” It goes on to say that if you think this is a mistake, you should reach out to support. When you do open a service request, you’ll get an email response telling you that your searches are suspicious and a link to the “rules”. If you respond to the email, you are guaranteed to never hear from them again. If enough users stopped using Bing, Microsoft may realize that abusing and cheating their user base is not good for business.
Jessica Traver 30 Reputation points

2025-09-03T20:20:30.05+00:00

I am absolutely infuriated! I have been a loyal Microsoft Edge & Bing user for 20+ years. The cooldown period rule is just ridiculous. I've been so busy lately, I haven't even earned half my potential points for the day for several days, yet today I search for a song/artist and get a pop-up saying, "Your search earnings are temporarily paused." I reached out to MS Support before about my frustrations telling them that if this keeps up, I will just do all my search activities on Google Chrome. At least I don't get hassle on that browser. And, if you're searching on a cell phone, sometimes the depiction auto-fill generates a search response before you can finish entering in what you're looking for! Or you get a response from Bing that isn't correct, so you search again with a variable search parameter to get an answer. Who cares if I don't get points for every search, but don't scold me and penalize me for utilizing your programs! I suggested to MS Support to have a badge for some of us legitimate users so we can be grandfathered in and bypass these "bot detectors" that mistake our honest utilizations for scams to rack up points- that take months and months to get anything worthwhile! The redemption should be flagged rather than the searches! How about that, Microsoft! You need to hear our frustrations and feedback and take it into consideration or else you're going to lose A LOT of loyal users and customers! Thank you for your time.
Alan Williams 5 Reputation points

2025-10-07T07:33:09.5633333+00:00

waste of time now what they have done with X box now rewards is a kick in the teeth to loyal customers canceled all microsoft subs and moving on from microsoft, no going back
Keith Crippen 5 Reputation points

2025-10-30T04:26:57.0566667+00:00

I only do the "Daily Set" and they still did the cooldowns and later even blocked me from using CoPilot on my phone.

According to Google Gemini... "The most common consequence of "abnormally searching" is the loss of your ability to earn and redeem Microsoft Rewards points. A full ban that affects all your other core Microsoft services (like Windows login, Outlook, and OneDrive) is rare for a Microsoft Rewards violation, unless the activity is considered severe enough to warrant a complete suspension of the entire Microsoft Account, which is a much higher-level action."

And CoPilot says... "If flagged, Microsoft Rewards may:

Pause your ability to earn points from searches temporarily

Enforce cooldown periods (e.g. 4 searches every 30 minutes)

Restrict redemption access for gift cards or sweepstakes

Label your activity as “suspicious”, which can affect your standing

Escalate to full account suspension in severe cases, impacting Outlook, OneDrive, or even Windows login access

These restrictions are often automated and can feel opaque or unfair, especially for users who follow the rules."
j t 75 Reputation points

2025-08-13T03:55:41.53+00:00

I chose this as the answer as it addressed my question of how long : 30 min

There is another answer below that talks about the why.
ffeJRxx-8774 125 Reputation points

2025-08-20T10:06:25.33+00:00

it may be 15-20min for 3 searches, but a longer wait 30+ can get 4 before hit with the cooldown again
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-24T19:55:33.4766667+00:00

Bing is now allowing me 4 searches every 30 minutes before the cooldown period starts. I also reset my default browser to Google so I don’t accidentally open Bing and extend the cooldown. All my searches are on Google during the cooldown. It takes all day to earn all the points. I’m close to cashing in for my next reward so after that, Google will be my main search engine. Too frustrating using Bing.
NJ 0 Reputation points

2025-09-28T10:34:36.1633333+00:00

Yep. Same here. Yesterday it was 15min intervals, now it's 30mins. Frustrating. Especially as there are 90 points across PC and 60 on mobile... That's almost a whole day having to specifically chime in for so Reward Points. I think they just want us to give up! Nope. Bleed them for everything they're worth!

Answer 1

Travis Fisher 35

Bad news everyone- found this on the official Microsoft page (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/limiting-your-searches-439be015-897e-4a5f-ae01-b3aff4ea2404)

Looks like it is just a fundamental change in the program. So any of us that used to make a game of searching (like doing a string of animals, foods, etc) are just out of luck.

"When searching, you may run into a notice that informs you that you will only be able to earn points for searches after a specific period of time, or that your searches within a specific period do not qualify for Microsoft Rewards points.

This is to ensure customers are earning in good faith and not abusing the system.

If you encounter this issue on your account, it is not permanent and will be removed once search patterns are determined to be normal and not an attempt to just earn points.

How to prevent search or earning limitations

Here are some tips to prevent any earning limitations when searching:

Spread out your searches throughout the day and avoid conducting rapid, back-to-back searches.

Refrain from using tricks to gain points quickly such as spamming letters or numbers into Bing, clicking through articles quickly or using bookmarks to open articles in a rapid manner with the intention of accumulating points in a short timeframe.

Do not use programs, bots, or macros to help with searching.
Important: Repeated violations may result in further actions against your account including suspension of your account and invalidating all earned points."

Renee Wright-Michaud 55 Reputation points

2025-08-30T15:32:23.18+00:00

It's so strange. Then why do they provide auto-populated searches in the Microsoft Rewards section but not honor those as deserving to earn points, immediately after searching? Since there is a cap to how many points one can earn in a day, I guess I don't understand why it matters when someone collects them in any given day. It seems to me that AI thinks people are slower than what we really are - estimating that people search in a slower time frame. May be true for some, but not others. It's such a scam.
Xx-2415 250 Reputation points

2025-09-26T04:34:58.33+00:00

5 weeks, 8 tickets, and no change. I'm on still on CD. They give us their "tips" knowing full well it changes nothing. Punishing us for doing legit searches. I have tried everything with no luck. AI responds with canned message just like above. We're are not stupid bing. It's extremely insulting to be patronized like this. 🤬 Been with this garbage since it launched ages ago. It has always been riddled with issues, but this is ridiculous. 👊
Jessica Traver 30 Reputation points

2025-09-26T11:27:03.7666667+00:00

"invalidating earned points"?! Seriously?!

Answer 2

Kayece Jan Mae Amizola 16,670 Independent Advisor

Hi,

Earning points through Microsoft Rewards depends on several factors, such as your account level, daily earning limits, and cooldown periods. To prevent abuse, Microsoft restricts how many searches can earn points within a set period.

There is also a possibility that your current experience is a Bing App issue. Please check in the browser, either on a phone or a desktop, to see if you can search and earn points normally.

If you only experience it with the Bing app, please try to clear the cache and data of the app on your phone. If the issue persists, please try to uninstall the Bing app, then restart your device. Install the Bing app and see if you can normally earn points.

If you still have the same issue with the browser and other devices. It can be that you have limits or there is a problem with your account. You can contact the Microsoft Rewards support for more assistance and information regarding your account.

https://rewards.bing.com/support

If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Stay Safe!

Shelly 45 Reputation points

2025-08-08T00:35:42.9133333+00:00

What is the amount of time required to wait after doing 4 searches before it will let you earn points again?
Private User 85 Reputation points

2025-08-08T12:44:13.3933333+00:00

It is incredibly frustrating to be punished for being a loyal user of Bing. The Microsoft Rewards are what got me into using it, and I enjoyed being able to go down a rabbit hole of information when I found a topic that interested me. Now, I am getting no Rewards for it and my activity is labeled "suspicious" and throttled. Why are we being punished for clicking on topics that Bing suggests? Why are we being punished for using the app they present to us? Why would we not go through them all at once? I liked to go through mine every morning, like it was the morning paper.

Seems like Bing wants to drive loyal users away, and they just might.
BlueSky 25 Reputation points

2025-08-12T08:33:12.62+00:00

Firstly, no, it is not just Bing App. Secondly, Microsoft Rewards support is not responsive. So, that is a dead end too. If Microsoft gives us tools to earn rewards but wants us not to use it, it tells me only one thing. It is time to move on.
Travis Fisher 35 Reputation points

2025-08-12T10:46:14.16+00:00

I tried clearing my Bing App cashe, but this didn't help. I do have the problem on both my phone and PC (though I only get the "unusual activity pop up on my phone- weirdly, not when I'm doing search and earn, but when I am doing my daily set and the other "click here" daily activities). From what I have been able to figure, my cooldown is a blend of 15 minutes and 1 hour. If I do nothing for an hour, it can "stack up" the ability to do 4 searches in a row- but never more than that. If I wait only about 15 minutes after my search and earn points freezing, I can only get one search.
Anonymous 30 Reputation points

2025-08-30T15:09:17.0366667+00:00

Microsoft Bing is now cheating and abusing its users. What used to be enjoyable is now an aggravating experience. First they make it incredibly frustrating to earn points, and when you do get enough points to cash in for your reward, you find out that they suspended your account and deny you the reward. And if you open a service request to complain about the situation - a situation they created - they insult you by telling you that your searches don’t comply with the Microsoft Services Agreement. It’s not worth the frustration to use Bing anymore.