A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Follow these steps to regain access when SMS and the Authenticator app are not working:
- Check common SMS issues
- Make sure the phone has signal and can receive normal text messages.
- Confirm the correct phone number and country/region code are configured on the account when prompted.
- Avoid requesting too many codes in a short time; excessive or repetitive requests can cause temporary blocking of verification codes.
- If using any third‑party security or spam‑blocking apps, temporarily disable them and request the code again, as they can block verification texts or calls.
- If possible, try up to five times within 5 minutes to receive an SMS or phone call for authentication.
- Try alternate verification methods
- If more than one verification method is configured (backup email, another phone, or Microsoft Authenticator), choose Other verification options on the sign‑in page and select a different method.
- If SMS is unreliable, switch to using the Microsoft Authenticator app or phone call method once access is restored. Authenticator can receive notifications over Wi‑Fi and can generate codes even without signal.
- Use the Microsoft account recovery flow
- If no verification method works (no SMS, no Authenticator, no backup email/phone), use the account recovery form at https://account.live.com/acsr (from the context) and provide as much accurate information as possible (recent email subjects, contacts, folder names, etc.).
- If the form initially fails, wait and try again from a different browser, in InPrivate/Incognito mode, or from a different network.
- If still blocked from receiving codes
- In some cases Microsoft may temporarily block sending codes due to unusual activity or heavy compromised traffic from a region. These issues resolve automatically after some time; during that period, another verification method or waiting until access to the registered phone/email is possible may be required.
- Support agents cannot send verification codes, password reset links, or change account security details for protection reasons. They can only guide through the existing recovery options.
- Contact Microsoft Support (for guidance)
- If the above steps do not work, sign in with any other Microsoft account (or create a new one) and go to the Contact Microsoft Support entry in the context. Choose the Microsoft account/password or account recovery topic and request chat or callback support. Explain that SMS and Authenticator are both unavailable and that access is needed to a Hotmail/Microsoft account.
Once access is restored, add multiple security methods (Authenticator, SMS, and at least one backup email) so that replacing a phone does not lock the account again.
References:
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
- "We didn't receive a response" error message when you try to sign in by using Azure Multi-Factor Authentication
- Why is Microsoft texting me?
- Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
- I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
- I have a Micrsoft business account and I am the admin and the only user registered under this account. I can't log in because i have replaced my phone and the authenticator doesn't work. - Microsoft Q&A
- 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