Why am I not receiving a code on my sms in the phone for logging in my account?

Question

My privat account in hotmail needs some verification and I am not receiving the code in the phone. Yjis has never happened. I do not know anymore what to do to access my mails..

Answer 1

Hi Duarte, Joana,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. 

If the solutions provided by Q&A Assist above have been helpful, you can access your account again by completing the sign‑in flow as follows:

• On the sign‑in or recovery screen, select Forgot password / Reset password and enter your Hotmail address.
• Choose where to receive the code (SMS or email, depending on the option shown), request the code, then enter the code you receive to verify.
• If prompted, create a new password to complete the process, then sign in again using the new password.

After you successfully sign in, it is recommended to review and update your sign‑in verification methods under Manage how you sign in to help avoid similar issues in the future.

If you do not see an option to receive a code or no longer have access to the verification methods shown, please use the Sign‑in helper / account recovery flow available on the sign‑in page to proceed with the appropriate recovery options.

Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators, contributors including external Microsoft employees cannot directly intervene in Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited to providing technical guidance on reported issues, requests, or ideas only.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Answer 2

If any of the above has helped, how to access my account again?

Answer 3

Several things can prevent SMS verification codes from arriving when trying to sign in to a Microsoft (Hotmail/Outlook.com) account. Work through these points in order:

1. Check that the right verification method is being used

• Codes can only be sent to security info already added to the account (primary alias, added email, or mobile number set up as a verification method).
• Make sure the phone number shown (last two digits) is actually correct. If it is not, use another method or start account recovery.

2. Avoid repeated requests and wait for temporary blocks to clear

• Excessive or repetitive requests for codes to different emails/phone numbers can trigger a temporary security block where Microsoft will not send verification codes.
• Unusual activity or sign-in patterns can also cause a temporary block.
• These blocks and delays clear automatically after some time; wait and try again later instead of repeatedly requesting new codes.

3. Check phone and SMS settings

• Confirm the phone is turned on, has signal, and can receive SMS from unknown or service numbers.
• If the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers, change that setting, then on the sign-in page choose I don't have a code to have a new code sent.
• Ensure the SMS inbox is not full and that the default messaging app is working properly (clear storage or troubleshoot the app if needed).
• VOIP numbers cannot be used for verification codes; a mobile phone number is required.

4. Consider regional or traffic issues

• In some regions, Microsoft’s SMS services may have limited functionality or be temporarily unavailable, which can prevent delivery.
• Heavy compromised traffic from a specific geographical area can cause delays or non-delivery as a protection measure. These situations are rare and resolve automatically after a period of time.

5. Try an alternative verification method

• If SMS is not arriving, use another method already configured on the account (backup email, other phone, or authenticator method) if available.
• If none of the methods are accessible, start the account recovery process as indicated on the sign-in page.

6. If still blocked or no codes arrive

• If codes still do not arrive after waiting and checking phone settings, another method must be chosen, or access must wait until the listed phone or email can be used again.
• For additional help with sign-in issues, use the sign-in helper tool linked from the Microsoft sign-in help pages.

Note: For security reasons, Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes, password reset links, or directly change account security details.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues