How to fix phone verification not working and unable to add a phone number to my account?

Wendell LaSan 85 Reputation points
2026-07-16T22:02:48.6033333+00:00

I tried redeeming something for Microsoft rewards, and it said phone verification was not available. I had a phone number connected to my account previously, but for some reason it wasn't showing up as being connected, so I tried adding it again, hoping that would fix the problem, but when I tried to add a phone number, it said "that verification method isn't currently working right now." Is this an issue on my end that I can fix or is this something on Microsoft's end?

Bing | Microsoft Rewards
Bing | Microsoft Rewards

A program that grants points for using Bing search, which users can redeem for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations.

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Answer accepted by question author
Darhyl Amizola 49,955 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-17T00:55:56.3366667+00:00

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Unfortunately, Microsoft has recently phased out the option to add a phone number to a Microsoft account, as stated in this article, particularly under "Notes": https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-security-info-verification-codes

However, you can add other verification methods, such as a recovery email address, a passkey, and Microsoft Authenticator on account.microsoft.com > Security > Manage how I Sign in > Then click on "Add another way to sign in to your account"

As an alternative option to redeem in Microsoft Rewards, you will need a QR scanner and the Bing app on your phone.

Once you have them, please redeem your rewards by following the instructions under "Verify with the Bing app" > Scan the QR code to open the Bing app and proceed with the verification > Sign in to the Bing app on your phone and provide the 6-character codes from your Microsoft Rewards redeem page. > Once it's done, your redemption will be verified.

Kindly wait a few minutes to 24 hours for your order confirmation via email.

If the issue persists, please contact Microsoft Rewards Support for further assistance, as they have the tools and resources to properly investigate this case:

https://rewards.bing.com/support

Thank you for your understanding! Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

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  1. AI answer

    2026-07-16T22:03:53.2166667+00:00

    This can be either a temporary Microsoft-side block or a phone/security-info issue on the account.

    Most likely causes in this scenario:

    1. Temporary block from repeated attempts Microsoft can temporarily stop sending codes or block a verification method when there is unusual activity or too many repeated requests. If too many unsuccessful phone verification attempts were made for Rewards redemption, there can be a 48-hour wait before trying again. For broader verification blocks, waiting 24 hours can help, and in some cases it can take longer.
    2. The phone number cannot be used
      • VoIP numbers are not allowed for Microsoft Rewards verification or Microsoft account verification.
      • For Rewards redemption, one phone number can only be associated with a limited number of Rewards accounts, with a maximum of 6 accounts per household.
    3. Region/network issue Rewards points must be redeemed in the same region as the Microsoft account. Using a VPN or proxy can also prevent redemption or verification.
    4. Temporary service or delivery issue Verification codes may fail if:
      • the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers
      • the SMS inbox is full
      • the messaging app is malfunctioning
      • Microsoft SMS service is limited in that region at the time
    5. Security info on the account needs to be updated If the old phone number no longer appears, use “I don't have any of these” during sign-in or verification flows to replace security info, or go to the security info page and choose Update info.

    What to do next:

    1. Stop retrying for now Repeated attempts can extend the block.
    2. Wait before trying again
      • If many failed Rewards verification attempts were made: wait 48 hours.
      • Otherwise wait at least 24 hours, and if still blocked, wait longer if possible.
    3. Try a different verification method If another email or method is already connected to the account, use that instead of SMS.
    4. Check the phone number type Make sure it is a mobile or landline number, not VoIP.
    5. Check account security info On the Microsoft account security info page, verify whether the phone or another method is listed. If needed, choose Update info or I don't have any of these.
    6. Check device/network conditions
      • turn off VPN or proxy
      • try another network such as Wi‑Fi vs cellular
      • make sure the phone can receive texts from unknown numbers
      • clear message storage if the inbox is full
    7. If the issue is specifically with Rewards redemption Contact Microsoft Rewards Support: https://rewards.bing.com/support
    8. If sign-in or verification still fails Use the sign-in helper: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2300860

    Important limitation: support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details on behalf of the account owner.

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

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