two step verification problem

Question

I am unable to log into my Microsoft account s i have enabled two steps verification. The email verification is working but the phone text messages is not working and i am not getting the OTP. It says the verification method is not working currently. I am frustrated. Happening for the last 15 days. How do i resolve?? Is there an email id that i can write to for support

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

The error 'This verification method isn't working' appears if your account is temporarily suspended for unusual activity.

As you are experiencing the same issue for 15 days and you have turned on two-step verification, I recommend that you submit the account reinstatement form to the Microsoft account digital safety team to review your response to why your account was disabled and help reinstate it if possible.

https://www.microsoft.com/digitalsafety/account-reinstatement

Select "I am not receiving the provided code" or "I am getting an error that my account has been temporarily blocked," and then submit the form.

Check your contact email address, you should receive a reply email from Microsoft within 24 hours.

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Answer 2

Use email verification as the primary method for now and avoid repeatedly requesting SMS codes, as excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to temporarily block sending verification codes.

Then work through these checks and updates:

1. Check why SMS may not arrive
   • There may be a temporary block due to unusual activity or heavy compromised traffic from your region. These issues are rare and automatically resolve after some time.
   • Make sure the phone does not block texts from unknown numbers. If it does, change the phone settings and then choose I don't have a code on the sign-in screen to have a new code sent.
   • Confirm the phone’s SMS inbox is not full and that the messaging app is working correctly (no crashes or storage issues).
   • Ensure the number added is a mobile phone number, not a VOIP number, because VOIP numbers cannot be used to receive Microsoft verification codes.
   • Verify that the phone number is entered correctly; only the last two digits are shown during sign-in for security, so confirm the full number in your security info.
2. Verify or change security info
   • Sign in using the working email verification method and go to your Security info page.
   • Select Update info.
   • Either:
     • Add a different mobile phone number, or
     • Remove and re-add the existing phone number if SMS to that number consistently fails.
3. If SMS still does not work
   • Use another verification method (email, authenticator app, etc.) whenever possible.
   • If no method works, choose I don't have any of these during sign-in and follow the prompts to replace or recover your security info.
4. Getting more help
   • If still not receiving verification codes after trying the above, you may have to use another method or wait until you can access the listed phone/email. Support agents are not allowed to send verification codes or change account details for security reasons.
   • If you can’t sign in at all, use the sign-in helper tool: Sign-in helper (from the context) to diagnose common sign-in issues.
   • For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support (from the context), enter the problem, select Get Help, then Contact Support if more help is needed. There is no direct support email address; support is provided via web, chat, or phone depending on region.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account