Account recovery code is unavailable

Question

I keep using my account recovery code. It keeps responding with a message that the system is unavailable and to try again later.

Answer 1

@Natasha Vasquez said

I keep using my account recovery code. It keeps responding with a message that the system is unavailable

Just to be sure.

You are talking about a 25 digit code, that you generated while you had access to the account, using these instrucitons:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/how-to-get-a-microsoft-account-recovery-code

And you are trying to use it when logging into your Microsoft Account at https://account.microsoft.com/account/ after telling the system that you don't have any other verification methods? If so, could you please provide a screen shot of the screen where the Recovery Code is rejected?

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

Since the account recovery code isn't working, here's an alternative way to recover your account:

Method 1. Recover a Microsoft account by resetting the password:

Go to this link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2273955 and follow the prompts to reset the password.

For reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/reset-a-forgotten-microsoft-account-password-eff4f067-5042-c1a3-fe72-b04d60556c37

 

Method 2. If you cannot reset the password or are unable to verify the account, I recommend submitting a recovery form:

https://account.live.com/acsr

Please complete the form and expect a reply within a couple of days.

Answer 3

A temporary block is the most likely cause. Repeated sign-in, reset, or verification attempts can cause Microsoft to stop accepting codes for a period of time.

Recommended steps:

1. Stop all recovery, sign-in, and verification attempts for at least 24 hours.
2. After that, try again once. Do not make repeated attempts, because that can reset the cooldown.
3. If the problem continues, wait longer—as long as possible up to 1 week.
4. Try a different network, such as switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
5. If another verification method is available on the account, use that instead.
6. If access to security info has been lost:
   • If the password is known, at the Verify your identity prompt select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to replace security info.
   • If the password is not known and there is no access to security info, use the account recovery form.
7. If sign-in is still blocked, use the sign-in helper to identify available support options.

Important:

• Only the most recently generated recovery code is valid. Creating a new recovery code invalidates the previous one.
• Support agents cannot send password reset links, verification codes, or change account details.

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