Password Recovery Issues

Question

Password Recovery Issues

Jason T 0

I'm trying to recover my password. By the time I get a code, the screen to enter it disappears. I can bring that screen back up and enter it. Because of 2FA, every time I try to enter the second code, I get an error message. Then it tells me I've tried too many times, and to check back tomorrow. This password recovery system is really flawed.

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Answer 1

To complete password recovery and two-step verification more reliably, use these steps and limits from the documented flows:

Use the sign-in helper or standard reset flow

Start with the official sign-in helper: Sign-in helper. This tool can detect and guide through most sign-in issues.
If the issue is specifically a forgotten password, follow the guidance in Reset your password from the Microsoft account article.

Reduce timeouts and screen changes

When requesting a verification code (SMS/email), avoid navigating away or refreshing the page until the code arrives.
As soon as the code arrives, enter it on the same screen; switching devices, tabs, or browsers can sometimes cause the session to expire and the page to reset.

Handle 2FA when security info is still available If at least one verification method still works:
Sign in and go to Advanced security options for the account: Sign in.
Select Add a new way to sign in or verify and add a new phone/email or method.
Confirm the new method with the code sent.
After that, expand the old method that is unreliable and select Remove.
Do not remove all methods at once, or the account may be restricted for 30 days.
If all security info is effectively unusable If codes cannot be received on any listed method:
Start sign-in to the Microsoft account: Sign in.
At the Verify your identity prompt, select I don't have any of these.
Follow the prompts to replace security info. Once replaced, there is a 30‑day wait before normal sign-in is allowed.
When locked out for “too many attempts”

Microsoft temporarily blocks further attempts after repeated failures or suspicious activity. The documented guidance is to wait for the lockout period (typically about a day) before trying again and to avoid repeated retries during that period, as they can extend the lockout.
When trying again, use a familiar device and network and complete the flow in one continuous attempt.

If verification codes still fail or don’t arrive

Choose a different verification method if available (alternate phone/email, authenticator, etc.).
If none work, use the Microsoft account recovery form as described in Help with the Microsoft account recovery form and submit from a device and location normally used for that account.
If still blocked or codes never arrive, contact Microsoft Support via the Contact Microsoft Support option in the verification-code troubleshooting article. Support cannot bypass security or send codes manually but can help with process issues.

References: