Try another verification method That verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method.

Question

I am unable to reset the password for my own account. Imagine being one of the biggest corporations with a system so poor that it's impossible to reset something as basic as an email account password.

Here's the thing, I attempted to reset my password by requesting a code via phone number. This worked twice but the website sort of glitched so I was forced into requesting another code which apparently attempting to do it a third time caused a "temporary block". I was told to wait up to 24 hours by a live chat support employee which is the biggest lie I have ever heard. Waited multiple 24 hours and the account is still not allowing me to reset the password. I have tried calling the official support number but the automated service redirects me to the same password reset information which I am quite clearly not brain dead and understand the basic steps to reset my own password thank you very much.

In addition, I'm quite disgusted at the service provided it seems like no matter what I do, I'm being made a fool out of and being sent round in loops, get your game together and offer the correct support without blatantly lying. No wonder reddit is filled with posts about this exact same issue.

Also, I have filled out 3-4 account recovery forms over the past 2-3 weeks to see that one was instantly closed within minutes and the rest were simply ignored.

What a shocking disgusting service.

Sort it out.

Answer 1

The error and looping behavior are caused by Microsoft’s automated security systems temporarily blocking the verification methods after repeated or unusual attempts. When that happens, normal password reset and even some support options stop working until the block clears.

Based on the documented behavior, the only available actions are:

1. Reduce or change verification attempts
   • Use a different verification method already on the account if one exists (for example, alternate email instead of SMS, or vice versa). The block can be tied to a specific method.
   • If SMS to the same phone number keeps failing with “Try another verification method,” switch to any other method offered on-screen.
2. Change network and device
   • Try from a different network: switch between home Wi‑Fi, work Wi‑Fi, and mobile data.
   • Use a device and location that have been used to sign in to this account before (for example, the usual home PC or phone). This increases the chance the systems will trust the sign‑in.
3. Stop repeated attempts and wait out the block
   • Multiple rapid requests for codes and repeated form submissions can extend or reset the block window.
   • Official guidance is to:
     • Avoid “lots of repeated attempts” because they may reset the time lock.
     • Wait at least 24 hours, and if nothing changes, wait longer—up to a week—without further failed attempts.
4. Use the Sign‑in Helper when standard reset fails
   • For sign‑in issues and blocks, use the Sign‑in Helper troubleshooter:
     • Sign-in Helper
   • This tool is designed to detect the type of block and route to any available recovery or support options.
5. If verification options look wrong
   • If two‑step verification is not turned on and the verification email/phone options shown are not recognized, use the Sign-in Helper as directed in the recovery guidance.
6. If two‑step verification is turned on
   • If two‑step verification is enabled and none of the configured methods (phone, email, authenticator, etc.) are accessible, support cannot override this or reset the password. The documentation explicitly states that agents are not allowed to send reset links or change account details in that situation.
7. Account recovery form usage
   • When using the recovery form:
     • Submit it from a device and location previously used with the account.
     • Provide as much accurate historical information as possible (old passwords, contacts, subject lines, etc.).
   • Repeated submissions with similar information that fails validation will continue to be rejected; there is no manual override documented for consumer Outlook.com accounts.
8. If the account is actually locked (not just blocked verification)
   • If the sign‑in page shows that the account is locked and does not show a Next button, follow the aka.ms link in that window and complete the reinstatement form. A Microsoft Online Safety agent reviews that form; additional requests slow the process and do not give agents more power to reset passwords.

In summary, the system is behaving as designed to mitigate unusual or high‑volume verification attempts. The only documented ways forward are to:

• Stop repeated attempts for several days to allow the block to clear.
• Try a different verification method and/or network when the block lifts.
• Use the Sign‑in Helper to identify any additional recovery paths.
• If the account is locked (no Next button), use the aka.ms reinstatement link and wait for the review.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
• Microsoft account has been locked