I'm scanning a QR code to sign into Minecraft with my Microsoft account

Instead of scanning the QR code again, manually open the web address shown by Minecraft in a regular browser window, enter the displayed code, and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to Minecraft. This bypasses the failing QR-to-browser handoff and is a reported resolution when QR sign-in does not complete.^1^

If the page still says “Microsoft refused to connect”

1. Use a normal browser window—not InPrivate or Incognito.
2. Temporarily disable ad blockers, tracker blockers, and other content-filtering extensions.
3. Turn off any VPN or proxy.
4. Allow cookies and JavaScript for Microsoft’s sign-in pages.
5. Try another current browser, such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
6. If necessary, clear that browser’s cache and cookies, then reopen it.
7. Switch networks—for example, turn off phone Wi-Fi and use cellular data.

Microsoft documents these steps for sign-in security checks that fail because of browser privacy controls, blocked cookies or scripts, VPNs, cached data, or the current network.^2^

Determine whether the account or Minecraft is failing

Open the Microsoft account page directly in the same regular browser and try signing in:

• If direct Microsoft sign-in succeeds: the account is working, so return to Minecraft and use its manual address/code flow. Confirm that you selected the Microsoft account associated with your Minecraft/Xbox profile.
• If direct Microsoft sign-in fails: use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper. It checks the account details and directs you to the appropriate password, username, verification-code, or recovery process.^3^

Platform-specific fallback

• Windows: Sign in to the Xbox app with the correct Microsoft account first, then reopen Minecraft Launcher. Minecraft Help identifies Xbox app sign-in as a fix for some Minecraft authentication errors.^1^
• Android mobile: If browser sign-in works but Minecraft loops afterward, force-close Minecraft, sign in to Xbox Live through the browser and choose Stay signed in, then reopen Minecraft. If it continues, go to Settings → Apps → Minecraft → Storage → Clear cache.^4^
• PlayStation, after linking the wrong Microsoft account: Do not assume another account can simply replace it. A closely matching PS4 case was resolved by resetting the password of the Microsoft account that had been linked, which refreshed the connection.^5^

If both direct Microsoft sign-in and the manual Minecraft code flow continue to fail after testing another browser and network, select Contact Support from Microsoft’s sign-in support page.^3^

References

1. Troubleshooting Minecraft Sign-in Issues | Minecraft Help
2. How to fix 'Let's help you move forward' error | Microsoft Support
3. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
4. I can't sign into minecraft,even though I have a Microsoft account. - Microsoft Q&A
5. Linking Minecraft User to a Microsoft Account: Error-Drowned - Microsoft Q&A