access old account with my old recovery code

Carol Luce 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T15:03:49.66+00:00

I have an old recovery code and want to access a 2018 account

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For business | Other
0 comments No comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. AI answer

    2026-09-08T15:04:04.42+00:00

    A Microsoft account recovery code is a 25-digit code used to regain access if the password is forgotten or the account is compromised.

    To try the old recovery code:

    1. Start signing in to the Microsoft account.
    2. Select Other ways to sign in.
    3. Select Use my password > Forgot password?
    4. Select Use a different verification option > I don’t have any of these.
    5. When asked whether there is an account recovery code, enter the 25-digit code.

    Important details:

    • Only the most recently generated recovery code is valid.
    • Creating a new recovery code invalidates any previous code.
    • Spaces, dashes, and capitalization are not required when entering the code.
    • If repeated sign-in or verification attempts were made, the verification method can be temporarily blocked. Stop trying for at least 24 hours, then try again.

    If the code is not accepted after that, use the Sign-in helper. If sign-in still fails, use the account recovery form: Recover account.

    Support agents cannot send password reset links or access and change account details.


    References:

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

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.