Can't receive any emails that contain a verification link or code to verify identity.

Question

In Hotmail I can no longer receive any emails that contain a verification link or code to verify identity. These typically come from trusted senders like banks. These are not going to junk. No security settings have been changed. Emails from the same senders are received if there is no verification link. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Answer 1

Hi Wesley Cowan

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!

Answer 2

Dear Wesley Cowan

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand you are having problem with Outlook.com/Hotmail where emails that contain verification links/codes are not arriving, while other emails from the same senders do arrive. I am happy to assist you. Please confirm:  

• Do you see Focused/Other in Outlook.com, and did you find anything in Other or Deleted Items/Recover?  
• Are the missing emails from Microsoft (for example, account verification) or only from banks/third parties?  
• Does the sender receive any bounce/non-delivery message, or does it look “successfully sent”? 

I look forward to hearing from you. Have a lovely day! 

Answer 3

Verification and security-code emails to Outlook.com/Hotmail accounts can be blocked or delayed by Microsoft’s automated security systems, especially when they contain sign-in links or one-time codes.

Based on the available guidance, try the following:

1. Check that messages are not being silently filtered
   • Confirm that the messages are not in Junk Email.
   • Check any rules you may have configured (in Outlook on the web → Settings → Mail → Rules) and delete or disable anything that might move or delete messages from banks or verification senders.
   • Make sure the senders are added to your safe senders list and not blocked.
2. Avoid triggering automated blocks
   • Do not repeatedly request verification codes in a short period. Excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to temporarily block or delay verification-related messages to protect against abuse.
   • If you have requested many codes recently, wait at least 24 hours with no further attempts before trying again.
3. Check for account security or lockout conditions
   • If Microsoft has flagged the account for unusual activity or there is a temporary block, some verification messages may not be delivered until the block clears.
   • In that case, waiting (up to several days) without repeated attempts is required for the automated systems to reset.
4. Use Microsoft’s sign-in helper if this affects Microsoft codes
   • If the missing verification emails are from Microsoft itself (for example, to verify the Outlook.com account), use the sign-in helper to diagnose sign-in and verification issues and follow the steps it provides.
5. If still affected, use alternate verification methods
   • Where possible, switch to another verification channel (SMS, authenticator app, or an alternate email address) with the service that is trying to send codes.
   • For Microsoft account verification specifically, sign in to the Security basics page when possible and add or update alternate security info (another email or phone) so codes can be sent there instead.
6. Contact Microsoft Support if the issue persists
   • If verification emails from Microsoft are still not arriving after waiting and avoiding repeated requests, use the official Contact Support channel and describe that verification or security-code emails are not being delivered to the Outlook.com account. Note that support agents cannot manually send codes or change account details but can help troubleshoot delivery issues.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues