Reset code received but service keeps saying "temporary error" - Account locked in loop

The behavior described matches a rate‑limit / temporary block on verification and password reset, not a problem that can be manually bypassed by support.

Based on the documented behavior:

1. Temporary blocks and rate limits
   • Excessive or repetitive requests for verification codes or password resets can trigger a temporary block on the account or on the phone/email being used.
   • When this happens, messages such as:
     • “There is a temporary problem, try again”
     • “You have requested too many codes today, try later” are expected and can repeat if attempts continue during the lockout window.
   • Guidance is to avoid repeated attempts and wait out the lock, typically at least 24 hours, and if it persists, up to several days without retrying too often.
2. What can be done within Microsoft’s process
   • For consumer Microsoft accounts (Outlook.com/Hotmail), password reset and account recovery are fully automated. Support agents and forum moderators cannot manually reset passwords, send verification codes, or override these automated protections.
   • When verification or reset flows are blocked or rate‑limited, the options are:
     • Wait for the temporary block to clear (avoid repeated attempts, as they can restart the cooldown).
     • Use the official account recovery form once the system allows it again, from a familiar device and network, providing as much accurate information as possible.
3. When verification codes or flows keep failing
   • If verification codes arrive but cannot be used because of blocks or errors, the documented guidance is:
     • Do not keep requesting new codes; this can extend or re‑trigger the block.
     • Wait at least a full day with no attempts, then try again once.
     • If still blocked, extend the waiting period (up to about a week) before trying again.
   • If the account has been flagged for unusual activity or locked for security reasons, verification messages and reset flows may not work until the security issue or lockout is resolved by the automated systems.
4. Escalation and contacting support
   • Public forums and standard support channels cannot override the automated account recovery and lockout systems for consumer Outlook.com/Microsoft accounts.
   • The documented path remains:
     • Use the sign‑in helper or account recovery form when available.
     • If technical issues persist (e.g., repeated “temporary problem” errors), contact Microsoft Support for general guidance, but they still cannot manually reset or bypass security for the account.

In practice, the only supported way out of this loop is to:

• Stop all reset/verification attempts for a longer period (at least 24 hours, and if needed up to several days) to let the rate limits and temporary blocks clear.
• Then, once allowed, use the official password reset or account recovery form again from a familiar device and network, with accurate information.

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Microsoft account has been locked
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A