I can't access my account

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out. Quick question, do you still have access to any of your verification options, like the Microsoft Authenticator app, a backup email, or the recovery code you got when you set up two-step verification? That will help us figure out if there’s a quick way to get you back in or if we need to look at other steps.

The “This Method Doesn’t Work” message usually means the option you picked is temporarily blocked, often because of too many attempts or a security lock. Sometimes it’s just a browser or regional issue.

Here’s what you can try:

Check all sign-in options by clicking “Other ways to sign in.” If you have your recovery code, that’s the fastest fix.

If not, try clearing your browser cache or switching to a different browser or device.

If Microsoft has locked your method, you may need to wait 24–48 hours before trying again.

If you’re still signed in on any device, use that to contact Microsoft Support for help.

Contact Microsoft Support here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus Provide details like your registered phone numbers, recovery email, recovery email, and subscription info (e.g., Microsoft 365) to verify identity.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes.

Kind regards

Edward

Hi,

Thank you for your response and for sharing the details.

It seems the account recovery process is blocked due to two-step verification, preventing you from using your backup phone number or the Authenticator app. This usually happens when Microsoft temporarily restricts recovery options after multiple attempts.

Please allow the security hold to expire, which typically lasts 48 hours but can extend up to 72 hours. After this period, try resetting your password at https://account.live.com/password/reset If the usual options fail, select “I don’t have any of these.” If you still see “This method doesn’t work,” the option is still disabled, retry later.

If you have a backup phone number or email, choose “Use a different verification option.” If that fails, the hold has not yet expired. The Microsoft Account Recovery Form will not work while two-step verification is enabled, so waiting is necessary. Please visit this help article about account recovery: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form-b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

If you still cannot access your account after 72 hours, contact Microsoft Support at https://support.microsoft.com/contactus Select “Account & Billing,” then “Microsoft Account,” and “Unable to sign in.” Explain that two-step verification is active and no recovery method works—they can escalate the case.

Once access is restored, I recommend adding multiple backup methods and storing recovery codes securely offline to avoid similar issues in the future.

Please let me know if you would like instructions for contacting a live support agent or generating recovery codes.

Best regards,

Edward

Hi,

If need support or guidance in the future, please don't hesitate to post back.

All the best,

Edward