How to get verification codes through other forms that are not your email.

Calderon, Valerie 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T01:08:09.3866667+00:00

Good afternoon, I am having trouble being able to log into my Account, due to not receiving my text messages.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-04T01:08:25.3166667+00:00

    If SMS codes are not arriving, use another verification method already added to the account.

    1. On the sign-in screen, select Use a different verification method or Other verification options.
    2. Choose another method linked to the account, such as an alternate email.
    3. For personal Microsoft accounts, email verification codes are sent only to the primary alias or another email added as a way to verify sign-in.
    4. If the phone is blocking texts from unknown numbers, change that setting and then select I don't have a code to request another code.
    5. If a VOIP number was added, replace it with a mobile number. VOIP numbers cannot be used to sign in or receive verification codes.
    6. Avoid repeated code requests. Too many attempts can trigger a temporary block.
    7. If a temporary block occurred, wait and try again later. In some cases, waiting 24 hours helps, and longer waits may be needed.

    If access is available to account security settings, verify the recovery methods:

    • Personal account: go to the Security basics page, select Update info, and confirm the phone number or email is correct: Sign in
    • Work or school account: go to the Security info page, select Update info, and choose a working method or I don't have any of these to replace the security info: Sign in

    If no working verification method is available, choose another listed method or wait until access to the registered phone or email is available. Support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details.

    If sign-in still fails, use the sign-in helper: Sign-in helper

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

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  2. GsN5034 - IA 77,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T02:01:56.57+00:00

    Hello,

    If you've already set up a different verification method, such as Authenticator or Passkey, you can choose "Show more Verification Methods" on the screen and use it to Verify Your Identity.

    Microsoft Identity Verification Dialog (1) (1)

    If you have access to the recovery email and you no longer receive the verification code in it, check the Junk or SPAM email folders and see whether the email from Microsoft ended up there.

    Alternatively, you can switch to another browser and use a different Wi-Fi network, such as a mobile network, and try requesting the code.

    For reference, see the

    Reasons why verification codes don't always arrive help article for reference.

    However, if you only have a recovery email and you don't have access to it, you will have to replace the Security info by selecting 'I don't have any of these' on the screen and follow the prompts to replace it. (As shown in the screenshot)

    User's image

    Note -

    If you remove all of your previous security information and replace it with something new, your account will be put into a restricted state for 30 days.

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