Not receiving text codes

Question

I received a junk email and following this, I wanted to change my password. I followed the procedure and it asked for an alternative email address. So I used my work email address as a recovery method, as I was not receiving codes via text. Apparently I have a 30 day waiting period to use my recovery email. I feel locked out of my account and I am very worried.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

If you’ve already started the 30-day security change process, the only option is to wait it out. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed this up, even Microsoft Support can’t bypass it. This waiting period is part of Microsoft’s account security design to protect accounts from unauthorized access.

I know it’s inconvenient, but once the 30 days are completed, you’ll be able to update your verification email and regain full access.

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Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns

Answer 2

The account is not lost, but security rules are limiting what can be done until verification succeeds or the waiting period ends.

Key points and options:

1. Why text codes may not be arriving
   • There may be a temporary block or delay due to unusual activity or heavy compromised traffic from the region, which can slow or stop code delivery.
   • Excessive or repetitive requests for codes can cause a temporary block where codes are not sent.
   • Phone settings may be blocking texts from unknown numbers, or the SMS inbox/messaging app may be full or malfunctioning.
   • VOIP numbers cannot be used for verification codes.
   Steps to try:
   • Check if the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers; if so, change that setting and then choose “I don't have a code” to trigger a new one.
   • Ensure the phone number is entered correctly (full number, correct country/region).
   • Clear SMS inbox space and restart the messaging app/phone.
2. About the 30‑day waiting period for new recovery info
   • When security info (like a new recovery email) is added or changed, the account can be restricted for up to 30 days to protect it from takeover.
   • During this period, the new recovery method may not be usable yet. This is expected behavior and cannot be overridden by support.
3. What can be done while feeling “locked out”
   • When prompted for verification, look carefully for an option such as “I don’t have any of these” and follow the prompts. This can start an alternative recovery flow.
   • If any older, working security method (another phone, email, or authenticator) is still on the account, use that instead of the newly added email.
   • Avoid repeated sign‑in and code requests; wait at least 24 hours before trying again if rate‑limited, and up to a week if the block persists.
4. If the phone/email shown is not recognized
   • Confirm the correct Microsoft account address and domain are being used (for example, .com vs .co.uk) and that the email name is typed correctly.
   • If the address is correct but the security info is unfamiliar, use the account recovery process as indicated in the sign‑in flow.
5. Important limitations
   • Support agents cannot send verification codes or bypass security checks.
   • If none of the existing security methods are accessible and the 30‑day period is in effect, waiting out the restriction and then using the new recovery email may be required.

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References:

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to change password in my Outlook - Microsoft Q&A
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
• hello my email was (Moderator note: PII removed)@icloud.com and now its (Moderator note: PII removed)@jerkoffmail.com can please someone help me and the team change it my username in xbox is (Moderator note: PII removed) please help me team and change it - Microsoft Q&A