Not getting code on phone due to security check loop

Question

Suddenly my email address on live.com is locked. I am getting the code on alternate email but when I try to get the code on phone, this annoying security loop never completed. Help me out in this regard please.

Answer 1

Thank you for the information.

Since you mentioned it has been weeks, please try the Microsoft Sign‑in Helper troubleshooter via this link to identify the sign‑in error through this link: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/microsoft-account-sign-in-helper-7117cc8d-0d68-4658-b4fb-c4b7ee8a8e28

If this is a case where your username or password has stopped working, please recover your account at this link: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/my-username-and-password-have-stopped-working-802abb61-19db-4e88-a5ff-fc83c97d1a9d

If it still doesn't work, try to submit an account reinstatement form in order to request a review of your account status, and if it can be reinstated:

https://www.microsoft.com/concern/AccountReinstatement?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0

(This is not an account recovery web form)

You may receive the results via email within 48 - 72 hours.

If you haven't received a response to the reinstatement request you have submitted after 72 hours, please check your email inbox, junk, and spam folders in case you receive it there.

“Please note that this is a public forum, I will be responding you in short period of time and regret for a delay in response. As I am merely a fellow user trying to provide insight and information that may be helpful to others.”

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Since you can't receive the verification codes, please try these steps first:

1. Avoid submitting multiple requests to phone numbers, since this could stop verification codes from being delivered.
2. Suspicious traffic from your geographical location may cause delays in delivering verification codes. These uncommon issues usually resolve on their own after some time.

If you still can't receive the codes, this is because your account is blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity. You will not be able to receive the codes until the account block expires, as stated in this article: 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

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

Answer 3

The behavior matches a security/verification issue on the Microsoft account side, not a problem with the phone itself. Use these steps and checks:

1. Use the working method first
   • Sign in at the Security basics page using the alternate email that still receives codes:
     • Go to account.microsoft.com/security and complete sign-in using the email code.
   • Once signed in, select Update info and confirm that the phone number listed is correct.
2. Check for blocks or lockouts
   • If the account has been flagged for unusual activity or locked, Microsoft may temporarily stop sending verification codes to some methods.
   • If, when signing in, there is no Next button or a message about the account being locked, follow the aka.ms/ link shown on the page and complete the unlock form. A Microsoft Online Safety agent will review it and contact by email.
3. Avoid triggering additional security blocks
   • Do not repeatedly request SMS codes in a short time; excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to block sending verification codes.
   • If there is a “usage limit exceeded” message for the phone number, wait and try again later or use a different phone number that can receive SMS.
4. Verify phone/SMS conditions
   • Ensure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
   • Make sure the inbox is not full and the messaging app is working correctly.
   • VOIP numbers cannot be used for verification; the number must be a mobile phone number.
5. Try different sign-in environments
   • Use a browser in InPrivate/Incognito mode and sign in at account.microsoft.com/security, then choose I don’t have a code to resend the SMS.
   • If possible, try from a different browser or network (for example, mobile data instead of home Wi‑Fi) to rule out local issues.
6. If the phone option still fails
   • Continue using the alternate email method to access the account and manage security info.
   • If the phone method appears but never completes, remove the phone number under Security info, then add it again as a new security method (using the working email method to authorize the change).

If the account is fully locked and none of the verification methods work, complete the account recovery form at the link provided on the lockout/sign-in page and wait for the review.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Microsoft account has been locked
• Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A