can't rest password

Question

can't rest password

it asks for last 4 digits of phone number then tells that verification method isn't working right now please try another method

Answer 1

Hi Dan,

The only option you have is to use the Microsoft account recovery form.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form-b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

Some tips to help you:

1. Use the same device, browser, and IP/location you usually sign in from; consistency matters.
2. Submit the form from a trusted network you’ve used before (home or office Wi-Fi).
3. Provide accurate recent passwords; even partial or older ones help.
4. Enter exact account details: full name, date of birth, country/region as originally set.
5. List recent activity precisely: last successful sign-in date, services used, approximate dates.
6. For Outlook/Hotmail accounts, include recent email subjects, recipients, and folders you created.
7. Add Xbox, Skype, or OneDrive details if linked—gamertag, console ID, or file names.
8. Use the same recovery email/phone previously associated with the account.
9. Avoid guessing; leave fields blank if unsure—wrong info reduces chances.
10. If rejected, wait 24 hours, gather better details, and resubmit once.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 2

Hi Dan,

Via https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/troubleshoot-microsoft-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48

Read through the list of the most common causes below and see if any of them apply to you, or use our troubleshooter to help guide you.

Start

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 3

The message means that the current verification method (your phone number) is temporarily blocked or unavailable, so the password reset cannot complete using that option.

Follow these steps:

1. Try another verification method
   • When prompted that the verification method isn’t working, choose a different option that’s listed on your account (for example, an alternate email address instead of SMS).
   • If SMS is blocked, using an alternate email is specifically recommended.
2. Try a different network or device
   • Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or try a different Wi‑Fi network.
   • If possible, repeat the reset on another device and browser (for example, a private/incognito window) to rule out a local issue.
3. Wait before retrying
   • Multiple repeated attempts can trigger or extend a temporary block.
   • Wait at least 24 hours before trying again; if it still fails, wait longer (up to about a week) before making many more attempts.
4. Use the standard account recovery/sign‑in helpers
   • If normal verification keeps failing, use the sign‑in helper and recovery options to diagnose and recover access:
     • Sign‑in helper: use the troubleshooter linked under Try the sign-in helper.
     • If you truly cannot use any listed method, follow the on‑screen path such as “I don’t have any of these” and complete the recovery form with as much accurate information as possible.
5. If still blocked
   • If codes still do not arrive or every method is blocked, support agents cannot send codes or change security details for the account, so the only options are:
     • Wait until the temporary block clears and try again.
     • Use a different verification method that is already on the account when it becomes available.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• My username and password have stopped working
• Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password