Windows 10: Why is Microsoft email verification code not working

Earlier today at 5.48 am and 5.49 am, I received two emails saying that unusual sign-in activity was detected on another one of my accounts. The sign-in details said that it was from China, using Firefox. The email asked me to review the recent activity and see whether it was me or not. I am from Singapore, and I don’t use Firefox. Then, at 11.13 am, I received another security alert, asking me to recover my account. I didn’t see any of those three emails until now, and I am trying to log-in to that account, to recover it and review the recent activity. I remember the password, then I was aske

:)

 

Verification code - I never get the code

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It sounds like you're having trouble receiving the verification code needed to create a new PIN on your Windows device. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Step 1: Confirm Your Phone Number

Make sure the phone number you have registered with your Microsoft account is correct.

1. Check Your Microsoft Account Details:
   
   • On another device, go to the Microsoft account security page.
     
   • Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
     
   • Under Security basics, check the phone number listed and ensure it is correct.
     

Step 2: Troubleshoot SMS Delivery

Sometimes messages can be delayed or blocked for various reasons. Here are a few things to try:

1. Signal Strength:
   
   • Ensure you have a good signal on your phone.
     
2. Check Message Blocking:
   
   • Make sure your phone isn't blocking messages from unknown numbers.
     
3. Restart Your Phone:
   
   • Sometimes restarting your phone can help with receiving delayed messages.
     
4. Try Another Method:
   
   • If SMS isn't working, try selecting an alternate method of verification (e.g., email verification).
     

Step 3: Use an Alternate Email for Verification

If you have an alternate email address linked to your Microsoft account, you can use it to receive the verification code.

1. Request Code via Email:
   
   • On the verification page, select the option to receive the code via email instead of SMS.
     
   • Check your email inbox (and spam/junk folder) for the code.
     

Step 4: Update Security Information

If the above methods don't work, you may need to update your security information.

1. Add a New Phone Number or Email:
   
   • Go to the Microsoft account security page.
     
   • Under Security contact info, select Add security info.
     
   • Add a new phone number or email address.
     
   • Follow the verification steps to confirm the new contact information.
     
2. Request Verification Code Again:
   
   • Once your new contact information is verified, try requesting the verification code again.
     

Step 5: Contact Microsoft Support

If you're still not receiving the verification code, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

1. Visit Microsoft Support:
   
   • Go to the Microsoft Support page.
     
2. Explain the Issue:
   
   • Provide details about your issue, including the fact that you are not receiving the verification code via SMS.
     

Step 6: Use a Trusted Device

If you have previously signed into your Microsoft account on another device, you can use it to bypass the verification step.

1. Sign In on a Trusted Device:
   
   • Use a device where you've successfully signed into your Microsoft account before.
     
   • Go to the settings and attempt to update your security information from there.
     

If you continue to experience problems, contacting Microsoft Support directly will likely provide the most effective solution.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

The verification code sent to my email is always wrong

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

I understand that you're having trouble with the verification code. Here are a few steps that might help:

1. Check for Typos: Ensure that you're entering the code exactly as it appears in your email, without any spaces or special characters.
   
2. Timeliness: Verification codes often have an expiration time, usually within 15-30 minutes after they're sent. Make sure you're using the code soon after receiving it.
   
3. Resend Code: If the first two steps don't work, try requesting a new verification code.
   
4. Browser Issues: Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try using a different browser or device to enter the verification code.
   

Please note that some services may have limited functionality in Iran which could be contributing to this issue.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Receiving wrong verification code to verify email

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are receiving a wrong verification code for email verification, we will look into this for you. However, please reply with the following details to assist you further:

• Where exactly do you get the prompt/notification to verify the email address?
  
• How are you trying to verify the email?
  

However, you can try using other options to request the verification code i.e. requesting the code over a call or as a text to your phone number and see if that helps in resolving the issue.



For more information on troubleshooting verification codes, you can refer the section
Troubleshooting verification code issues in the article

Microsoft account security info & verification codes.



Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator