Android Outlook app - Verify Another way error and more

Question

Due to a potential hack, I changed my Email password. On my PC everything went like clock-work. When it came to my Samsung phone, I've had nothing but problems and can not find a way to email Microsoft support to get help.

The jumping thru hoops with the Online support had not helped one bit.

First I entered my email and it "checked" for issues and came back there are no issue with my account. (No problems found) Then I entered the 2 digits of my cell number and I got the Verify another way error. Any link I followed from there, has gotten me no where.

I've deleted the app and reinstalled it. I've cleaned the cache and deleted all the data; but every time I log in, i get that "Try another verification method" window... and i'm back to square one.

I've thought about using a "generic" email app, but feel just trying to login I will have the same issue.

any thoughts?

Answer 1

Dear Terese, 

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand you are having problem with Outlook for Android showing “Verify another way / Try another verification method” after you changed your password. I am happy to assist you. 

Please follow these steps also:

• Add new verification methods on a device where you can sign in 
  • On a PC where you can sign in to your Microsoft account: Security tab > Manage how I sign in > Add a new way to sign in or verify. Add Microsoft Authenticator and a backup email (passkey is also supported).  
• Turn off Outlook‑mobile‑as‑sign‑in 
  • If Outlook mobile is listed as a sign‑in method, disable it temporarily, then retry adding the account in Outlook for Android. 
• Remove old phone partnership, then re-add the account 
  • From Outlook on the web (signed in on a PC): Settings > General > Mobile devices > select the Samsung device > Delete the device partnership > Save. Power the phone off/on, then add the account in Outlook for Android via the Outlook.com flow (not IMAP/POP) 

Note: If you recently changed or removed security info while two‑step verification is enabled, certain changes can be subject to a protection period (can be up to 30 days) before they fully take effect; use existing methods or newly added app/email during that window. 

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!   

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Answer 2

The "Try another verification method" / "Verify another way" message indicates that the current verification method (for example, SMS to the configured phone) is blocked or unavailable, so Outlook for Android cannot complete sign-in even though the password is correct.

To move forward, use these steps in order:

1. Avoid repeated verification attempts
   • Do not keep retrying the same verification method in quick succession. Excessive or repetitive requests can trigger or extend a temporary block on sending verification codes.
2. Try a different verification method
   • When the prompt appears, choose an alternative method if offered (such as a different phone number, email address, or authenticator app) instead of the same SMS option.
   • If available, select I don't have a code or I don't have any of these and follow the prompts. This can start an alternate recovery or verification path.
3. Check for SMS or email delivery issues
   • Confirm the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
   • Ensure the SMS inbox is not full and the messaging app is working properly.
   • If using email verification, check the junk/spam folder for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com and mark this sender as trusted.
4. Wait out temporary blocks
   • If Microsoft has temporarily blocked verification due to unusual activity or high volume of requests, wait at least 24 hours without further attempts. In some cases, waiting up to a week may be required before codes or verification prompts start working normally again.
5. Try another network
   • On the Samsung phone, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or use a different Wi‑Fi network, then try signing in again. Network-related risk signals can sometimes affect verification.
6. Re-add the account in Outlook for Android after verification works
   • Once verification succeeds on the account (for example, via web sign-in or another device), remove the email account from Outlook for Android, then add it again:
     1. Open Outlook for Android → Settings → Add Account → Add Email Account.
     2. Enter the email address and tap Continue.
     3. Sign in using the now-working verification method.

If verification codes or prompts still do not work after waiting and trying alternate methods and networks, use the Microsoft sign-in helper or account recovery flows from a browser to resolve the block, then return to Outlook for Android once the account can be verified successfully.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Outlook for Android Help
• Set up email in the Outlook for Android app