Lost access 3+ months ago, Microsoft is broken

Question

Hi, this issue started when I switched my phones from iPhone 13 to 17.

I’ve verified 1 of my numbers associated with the account, the 2nd one would always say try another verification method. This is broken.

I then tried to speak to Support a few times and although I connected and they logged the issue, no one connected with me, first request raised on 16/11/2025.

i then tried to recover my account on 19/12/2025, radio silence. then on 30/1/2026, radio silence still. I filled out the recovery forms and everything and no point. Microsoft is broken. I have had this email for 20 years. It is unreal how frustrating all of this is.

i tried resetting again now and it says im still in waiting. THERE IS NO VISIBILITY, no accountability, and it has been more than 3 months now.

Answer 1

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this, and I understand your frustration, as I'm a Microsoft user as well.

Unfortunately, this is the only option to unblock a Microsoft account, as stated in the Microsoft article I provided above.

Since it needed two verification methods to unblock, this means that your account may have an active 2FA.

If you still have the 25-character recovery codes for the 2FA, please go to account.microsoft.com > Forgot Password > click "I don't have any of these" on both verification methods > click "Yes" on the 25 recovery code (if you have one) > from here, you will be asked to wait 30 days in order to update your security info and recover your account.

During this time, you will not be able to sign in to sites or services with your account.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

The error message, "Try another verification method" is an indication that your account is temporarily blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity.

It is also possible that during those 3 months, the account lock keeps resetting.

Kindly perform these steps to fix the verification method error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly one week to perform another password reset.

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (1 whole week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

Lastly, I highly recommend checking the official Microsoft article regarding account blocks, particularly the "I see a Try another verification method message" tab: 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

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

Best regards,

Darhyl