I can't seem to receive either a text or a call to "verify my account"

Kimberley Bjornsson 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T01:24:31.7166667+00:00

I have been trying to update according to the most current instructions. My email and password seem to be working, but I don't receive either a text or a call to verify. I can't seem to see what numbers are on file but I also can't get in to update them.

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  1. Hornblower409 15,115 Reputation points
    2026-09-16T04:33:32.2333333+00:00

    As suggested, use the Sign-In Helper to see if you can recover your account.

    But if all else fails and you can complete one verification step for your account (e.g. password), but can't access any of the other verification methods, and have repeatedly failed the Account Recovery process, or can't use Account Recovery because your account has Two-step Verification (2FA, MFA), then you can try to request that all the verification methods be replaced.

    This will put your account in a 30 day "Pending Request" state. You will have limited access to the account during this period or no access at all if the account has Two-step Verification enabled.

    See the Answer by "Hornblower409 Jun 25 2026" in
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5920985/how-to-fix-we-will-send-a-verification-code-to-(mo

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  2. Manoel Barros 21,815 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T02:02:18.5233333+00:00

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-15T01:24:48.1466667+00:00

    If the email address and password work but no text or call arrives, the supported checks are:

    1. Avoid repeated code requests. Excessive or repetitive requests can trigger a temporary block and stop codes from being sent.
    2. Check whether the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers. If it does, change that setting and then choose I don't have a code to request another code.
    3. If using SMS, make sure the phone inbox is not full and the messaging app is working correctly.
    4. If the number on the account is a VOIP number, replace it with a mobile phone number. VOIP numbers cannot be used to receive verification codes.
    5. If another verification method is shown, use it. If access to the listed phone or email is no longer available, select I don't have any of these during sign-in and follow the prompts to replace the security info.
    6. If the account shows a prompt to make sure a security code can be received, verify or add new security info. That prompt can be skipped for 24 hours at a time, but after seven days the security info must be verified or updated before sign-in continues.
    7. If the phone or email on file is not recognized, confirm the account is being signed in with the correct Microsoft account domain and correct email spelling. If it is correct and the security info is still unfamiliar, account recovery may be required.
    8. If the issue is caused by unusual activity or traffic protections, code delivery can be temporarily blocked and may resolve after some time. Do not keep retrying during that period.

    If sign-in is not possible, support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details. The available next steps are the sign-in helper or account recovery:

    Important: Do not change all security info at the same time, because the account may be restricted for 30 days.


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

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