Cant log inMicrosoft account

Question

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

I am experiencing an unresolved verification issue while trying to access my Microsoft (Hotmail) account. I would like to explain the situation clearly and chronologically so that the issue can be properly reviewed and resolved.

When attempting to sign in via the Microsoft website, I enter my email address and proceed by selecting “Forgot my password”, as I do not know the current password.

At the first verification step, I successfully receive and enter the verification code sent to my registered recovery email address. This step completes without any issues.

However, during the second verification step, I am prompted to verify my identity via SMS. Although a phone number is registered on my Microsoft account, when I select SMS verification, I receive the message “Try another verification method.”

Unfortunately, no alternative verification method is offered, and as a result, I am completely unable to continue the account recovery process or sign in from any platform.

I would like to emphasize the following points:

The same phone number successfully received SMS verification codes before 11.01.2026,

The number is still active and belongs to me,

The phone number appears to remain registered on my Microsoft account, yet SMS verification is no longer functioning.

At this point, the main issue that requires clarification is this:

Why is a previously working and registered phone number no longer accepted as a valid verification method?

As the legitimate owner of this account:

I have full access to the recovery email address,

I can confirm ownership of the registered phone number,

I am able to verify historical account usage and any security-related information if required.

Therefore, my clear request to the Microsoft Support Team is as follows:

Please initiate a manual or human-assisted account recovery process if necessary,

Kindly ask all relevant security questions that the automated system does not present, so I can verify my identity as the account owner,

Investigate why SMS verification has been disabled or blocked and enable an alternative secure verification method for my account.

My sole intention is to prove my ownership of the account and regain access without further issues. I kindly request your concrete guidance and support to resolve this matter.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

Erdinç Korkmaz

Answer 1

Hello. Nothing is wrong with your account. This behavior is expected and caused by Microsoft’s security rate limiting.

What happened:

• Multiple recovery or verification attempts were made in a short time.
• To prevent abuse, Microsoft temporarily disabled SMS verification.
• When this occurs, you’ll see “Try another verification method,” even if the number is correct.
• This is automatic and cannot be overridden by support.

Why the phone number seems unavailable:

• The number is still on the account.
• It’s temporarily blocked as a verification method due to rate limiting.
• This is time-based, not permanent.

What to do (do not skip):

1. Stop all sign-in and recovery attempts.
2. Wait 24–48 hours (48 is safer).
3. Do not change the password or retry verification during this time, anywhere.

After waiting, try password reset again from a trusted device and network.