Keep getting 'Try another verification method' after inputting last 4 digits of phone number

Question

Keep getting 'Try another verification method' after inputting last 4 digits of phone number

Answer 1

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 an unusual login pattern.

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 48 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 1 week to perform another password reset. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password, as stated in this article: 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

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (48 hours or 1 week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

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

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

The "Try another verification method" message usually means the current verification method (in this case, SMS to the phone number) is temporarily blocked or failing, even if the last 4 digits are entered correctly.

To resolve it, use these steps:

1. Try a different verification method
   • If the account has more than one security method (alternate email, Microsoft Authenticator, or another phone), choose Use a different verification option / I don’t have a code and select another method.
   • For work or school accounts, this is the primary recommendation when that message appears.
2. Avoid repeated attempts
   • Excessive or repetitive requests for SMS or email codes can trigger a temporary block where codes are not sent and the service keeps asking for another method.
   • Stop trying repeatedly for a while; repeated attempts can extend the block.
3. Wait out a temporary block
   • Blocks can be triggered by:
     • Unusual activity on the account.
     • High volume of verification requests.
     • Suspicious traffic from the current region or network.
   • Wait at least 24 hours without repeated attempts. If the issue persists, wait longer (up to about a week) before trying again.
4. Try another network
   • Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data or use a different Wi‑Fi network, then try the verification again. This can help if the block is related to traffic from a specific network or region.
5. Check SMS delivery basics (if using text)
   • Ensure the phone can receive SMS from unknown numbers and that no SMS-blocking or spam-filtering is blocking messages.
   • Confirm the phone number and country/region code are correct in the account’s security info.
   • If using a VOIP number, replace it with a mobile phone number, as VOIP numbers are not supported for verification codes.
6. If still blocked or no codes arrive
   • Use the Microsoft sign-in helper to diagnose sign-in issues and see available support options: Sign-in helper.
   • If unable to sign in at all and no method works, go to Contact Microsoft Support, describe the verification issue, and follow the guided support path. Support cannot send codes or change security info but can help with troubleshooting.

For Outlook on Windows specifically, once verification succeeds in a browser and the account is fully accessible, restart Outlook and sign in again so it picks up the updated, working sign-in state.

---

References:

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Voice call