What should I do if the email address I use to receive verification codes is no longer working when logging into Outlook?

yue gu 0 Reputation points
2026-05-18T08:56:22.01+00:00

When I logged into Outlook, I received an alert that an anomaly had been detected. I then went to verify the information and found that the email address used to receive the verification code was also unusable. How can I get it back to normal as soon as possible?

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy

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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-18T08:56:32.92+00:00

    If the email address used to receive verification codes is no longer working, update or replace that security info and, if needed, use account recovery.

    1. Try another existing verification method
    • When prompted to verify, look for other options (phone, alternate email, Authenticator, etc.).
    • If another method works, sign in and go to the Security basics page, then:
      • Select Update info.
      • Add a new email/phone that is working.
      • Remove or replace the old, unusable email.
    1. If none of the listed methods work
    • On the verification screen, select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to replace your security info.
    • Be prepared that changing all security info can trigger a protection period (up to 30 days) during which some actions are restricted.
    1. If you are not receiving verification codes at all
    • Sign in to the Security basics page with the account if possible and choose Update info.
    • Choose a method that still works, or I don't have any of these to replace your security info.
    • If the alternate email is another Microsoft account (Outlook/Hotmail/Live/MSN), use a private/incognito browser session so both accounts can stay signed in while you retrieve the code.
    1. If you see unrecognized security info or suspect compromise
    • If the phone/email shown is not recognized, confirm the account name and domain are correct.
    • If sure the address is correct but cannot use the listed security info, use the account recovery flow linked from the sign-in page.
    1. Avoid changing all security info at once
    • When updating security info, avoid removing all existing methods in one step; doing so can cause the account to be restricted for 30 days while changes are pending.

    Following these steps will let the account use a working email or phone for verification again and clear the unusable one.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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