Help I can’t get verification code as a backup email address

Chiara Creed 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T12:00:20.86+00:00

I’m trying to get back into an email account and I don’t have the telephone number any more associated with account. I have a backup email address but the email simply isn’t coming through. What can I do? Please help!

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-14T12:00:45.49+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check the backup email carefully.
      • Verification codes sent by email can only be sent to the primary alias or another email already added as a sign-in verification method.
      • Check the Junk or Spam folder.
      • Valid verification emails come from @accountprotection.microsoft.com. Mark that sender as trusted.
    2. Avoid requesting too many codes.
      • Excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to temporarily stop sending verification codes.
      • If there is unusual activity or heavy compromised traffic from the region, delivery can also be delayed and usually resolves after some time.
    3. If the backup email is another Microsoft account.
      • If the alternate address ends in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, use two private browsing windows.
      • In the first InPrivate/private window, stay signed in to the account requesting the code.
      • In a second InPrivate/private window, sign in to the backup email account and look for the verification message there.
      • Then return to the first window and enter the code.
    4. If the listed backup email or phone is no longer usable.
      • On the verification screen, select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to replace the security info.
    5. If the account is asking to verify security info.
      • Verify or add new security info when prompted.
      • This prompt can be skipped for 24 hours at a time, but after seven days from the first notice, updated or verified security info is required before sign-in continues.
    6. If sign-in still fails.
      • Use the Microsoft Sign-in Helper to identify the account issue and get the next recovery steps: Sign-in Helper
    7. If no code can be received at all.
      • Another verification method may be required, or access to the listed phone or email may need to be restored first.
      • Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details.

    Important:

    • Do not change all security info at the same time, or the account may be restricted for 30 days.

    References

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

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. GsN5034 - IA 76,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T12:39:03.4933333+00:00

    Hello,

    May I please know when you last successfully signed in to your Microsoft account?

    If your account is blocked due to unusual activity, you may no longer receive verification codes and will need to use the account recovery form to regain access. Before going with the recovery form,

    • Check your junk or SPAM email folders and see whether the verification code emails from Microsoft ended up there.
    • Use another browser or a device, launch an incognito tab, and try signing in.
    • Connect your device to another Wi-Fi network, such as a mobile hotspot network, and see if you can receive the code. Sometimes the block may be tied to a specific Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
    • Use the Microsoft Verification code troubleshooter from the article here -

    Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues

    If you are still having issues and you haven't turned on two-step verification, you can use the 'Microsoft Account Recovery form' here to recover your account -

    https://account.live.com/acsr

    Remember to use a familiar device from which you've frequently accessed your Microsoft account, as well as a familiar location. Microsoft will review your responses and respond within 24 hours. If you are verified, instructions on how to log back into your account will be sent to you, and if you are not verified, you will need to submit the Account Recovery form again. You can do this up to 2 times every 24 hours.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

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.