Verify account with phone

Question

why phone verification is currently not available rn ?

Answer 1

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Just to confirm, are you being asked to verify your account when signing in?

If yes, the error message you received indicates that your account is blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity. Your verification method will not work until the account block expires.

Kindly perform these steps to fix the verification method error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 24 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 48 hours to perform another password reset.
4. In case the 48 hours don't work, you may need to wait a longer period, exactly a week. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password, as stated in this article particularly under the "I see a Try another verification method" part: 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
5. Lastly, if the error remains after a week of waiting, try to submit an account reinstatement form in order to check your account status and if it can be reinstated: https://www.microsoft.com/concern/AccountReinstatement?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0 You may receive the results via email within 48 - 72 hours.

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (24 hours, 48 hours, and a week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

Once you have regained access to your account, I highly recommend adding three or more security info to your account for additional verification options, such as a recovery email address, a passkey, and Microsoft Authenticator on account.microsoft.com > Security > Manage how I Sign in > Then click on "Add another way to sign in to your account"

Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Phone verification can be unavailable for these supported reasons:

• Microsoft may temporarily block verification due to unusual activity or behavior that looks risky.
• Too many repeated verification requests can trigger a temporary block.
• Heavy compromised traffic from a geographic region can delay or block code delivery for a period of time.
• VOIP numbers can’t be used for sign-in or verification codes; a mobile number is required.
• If using SMS, the phone might block texts from unknown numbers, the inbox might be full, or messaging on the device might not be working correctly.
• In some regions, Microsoft SMS services have limited functionality or are temporarily unavailable.
• For Azure sign-up, the phone must be able to receive calls or SMS from a United States-based number, and some countries or regions aren’t supported for sign-up.
• In Microsoft Entra ID scenarios, Microsoft may limit repeated voice or text authentication attempts for the same user, phone number, or organization in a short time.

What to do:

1. Stop repeated attempts for a while.
2. Check that the number is correct, including country code.
3. Make sure the number is a mobile number, not VOIP.
4. Check device settings for blocked unknown senders or blocked numbers.
5. If SMS fails, try another verification method already connected to the account, such as an alternate email, verification code, or Microsoft Authenticator where available.
6. Try another network, such as switching between Wi‑Fi and cellular.
7. Wait 24 hours; if still blocked, wait longer, up to 1 week in some cases.
8. If access to the listed phone or email is lost, select I don't have any of these during sign-in and follow the prompts.

Support agents can’t send verification codes or change account details for security reasons.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Voice call