This is usually caused by a temporary verification block, the code going to the wrong verification address, mailbox filtering, or a sign-in/session conflict.
Try these steps in order:
- Stop requesting new codes repeatedly Excessive or repetitive requests can trigger a temporary block where Microsoft will not send codes.
- Check the correct mailbox Verification codes sent by email can only be sent to the primary alias or another email added as a sign-in verification method.
- Check Junk/Spam and trust the sender Valid verification emails come from @accountprotection.microsoft.com. Check junk folders and mark that sender as trusted.
- If the verification email is another Microsoft address such as @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, use privacy/InPrivate mode:
- In one private window, stay signed in to the account that is requesting the code.
- Open a second private window.
- Sign in to the alternate Microsoft email account there.
- Copy the code from that mailbox back to the first window. This avoids the browser signing out one account while accessing the other.
- Try another verification method If another method is available on the account, use it instead of email.
- Try another network Switch between Wi‑Fi and cellular data, or use a different Wi‑Fi network.
- Wait before trying again If the account or verification flow was flagged for unusual activity, waiting can clear the block. Guidance is to wait a day, and if needed longer, up to 1 week. Repeated attempts can reset the time lock.
- Verify or replace security info if accessible On the Security basics page, select Update info, then choose a method that works, or choose I don't have any of these to replace the security info.
- Use Microsoft sign-in troubleshooting if still blocked If sign-in still fails, use the Microsoft sign-in helper.
Important limits:
- Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details.
- If the issue is a temporary security block, the code may not arrive until the block clears.