How can I reset my password if MFA is not working?

Question

How can I reset my password if MFA is not working?

Aaron Jones 0

I have been unable to access one of my microsoft accounts due to a block. When I go to reset my password and use MFA, every single time I go to put in my phone numbers last 4 digits, I get this error "There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again. If you continue to get this message, try again later." This does not allow me to proceed.

This has been happening for a long time.

Pauline Mbabu 1,840 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2026-04-14T14:57:33.6333333+00:00

Hello Aaron,
This error usually indicates a backend verification or risk block rather than an issue with your phone number itself, and it commonly happens when Microsoft’s SMS/phone verification service cannot validate the request during account recovery; when this occurs, the password reset flow cannot proceed even if the number is correct. In this situation, Microsoft recommends using alternate recovery paths such as the Microsoft account recovery form at https://account.live.com/acsr, where you can prove ownership by providing historical account details, or the Sign-in Helper at https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/i-can-t-sign-in-to-my-microsoft-account-475c9b5c-8c25-49f1-9c2d-c64b7072e735 to be guided to the appropriate recovery option. If you are not receiving or cannot complete phone verification, Microsoft also documents common causes and limitations of verification failures—including temporary service issues and security risk blocks—here: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshoot-microsoft-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48

Your answer

Pauline Mbabu 1,840 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2026-04-14T14:57:33.6333333+00:00

Hello Aaron,
This error usually indicates a backend verification or risk block rather than an issue with your phone number itself, and it commonly happens when Microsoft’s SMS/phone verification service cannot validate the request during account recovery; when this occurs, the password reset flow cannot proceed even if the number is correct. In this situation, Microsoft recommends using alternate recovery paths such as the Microsoft account recovery form at https://account.live.com/acsr, where you can prove ownership by providing historical account details, or the Sign-in Helper at https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/i-can-t-sign-in-to-my-microsoft-account-475c9b5c-8c25-49f1-9c2d-c64b7072e735 to be guided to the appropriate recovery option. If you are not receiving or cannot complete phone verification, Microsoft also documents common causes and limitations of verification failures—including temporary service issues and security risk blocks—here: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshoot-microsoft-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48