Microsoft PLEASE HELP!!! Locked out of Outlook!!!!

So I started that 30 day process I believe “not on purpose” but I do believe I triggered it. I imidiatly got this email. I have two Microsoft accounts and it looks like I was given the option to replace security measures from the locked out one to the one I can access “ymail”. I followed the prompts and changed the password successfully but it’s still does not work when I try to sign into my outlook.com email.

Hi @tom,

From the screenshots and your description, you’re getting “Try another verification method – That verification method isn’t working right now” at the SMS (text) step of two‑step verification. This typically means Microsoft can’t complete that verification method at the moment (it can be a temporary service/security block), and the system requires you to use another verification option or wait and try again later.

1/ Try “Other ways to sign in” (if available):

On the verification screen, select Other ways to sign in / Show more verification methods and check whether you have any of these options available:

• Microsoft Authenticator app (approval or code)
• A different phone number (if you added one previously)
• A second email method (if shown as a sign-in option, not just the first step)

If any alternate method works, you should be able to sign in and then immediately update your security info.

2/ If SMS is the only second factor:

If the account has been rate-limited/blocked, repeated attempts can keep you stuck in the loop. Microsoft’s guidance is that if you’re not receiving verification codes or a method fails, you may need to choose another method or wait until you can access the security method listed.

You can try again later from a familiar device and network you’ve successfully used with this account before.

3/ Use the official verification-code troubleshooter:

Please go through Microsoft’s official guide here: Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues.

This support article specifically covers the “Try another verification method” scenario and what to do if codes aren’t arriving.

If during sign-in you’re offered an option like “I don’t have any of these” and it leads to replacing security info, Microsoft may start a 30‑day security info change waiting period. That waiting period is a protective measure and can’t be expedited.

If you’ve already triggered this state, you may see “Security info change is still pending,” and the documented path is to wait the 30 days or cancel the request (if you can verify to cancel).

If this email is provided by a company (work/school account), your organization’s IT admin can reset MFA/security proofs. If it’s a personal Outlook/Hotmail Microsoft account, the options above are the supported paths.

I hope this information help improve the situation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to continue supporting you and look forward to your update.

If the answer is helpful, click on "Accept Answer" and please vote positively. If you have additional questions about this answer, click on "Comment".

Note: Follow the steps in our documentation to enable email notifications if you want to receive the email notification related to this thread.