2 factor authentication methods don't work, can't recover/change forgotten password

Question

I can't change my password using the two-step verification method. When I try to enter the code, it keeps failing and says:

"Try another verification method

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

If I only use my recovery email, it works, but it tells me I need both the email code and the phone code. How can I recover or change my password and get back into my account? I also tried to recover my account and received an email at my new email address saying:

"It looks like you just used the Microsoft account recovery form (https://account.live.com/acsr?mkt=en-AU) to request a password reset for ******@hotmail.com. Because you've turned on two-step verification for your account, we ignore these requests but wanted to let you know."

The email then suggests going to https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx?mkt=en-AU to reset your password using security info like your phone, an alternate email, or an authenticator app.

But this is exactly what I’ve been trying to do and can’t. What should I do next?

Answer 1

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

The error message, "Try another verification method" is an indication that your account is blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity, as stated by Microsoft, particularly the "I see a Try another verification method message" tab: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did

Your verification method will not work until the account block expires.

Kindly perform these steps to fix the error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 48 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 1 week to perform another password reset. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password.

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (48 hours or 1 week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

Thank you for your understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl