Microsoft account help
Overview and sign in help
- Microsoft account overview
- Can't sign in
Password reset and recovery
- Change known password
- Reset forgotten password
- Can't recover an account
Forgot username
- Username lookup
- Check products and services
- Check if email is an account
- Username has stopped working
Security and verification codes
- Keep your account secure
- Security info and codes
- Troubleshoot verification codes
- Security info pending
- 2-step verification
- Go passwordless
- App passwords
- Account security tools
Locked or compromised accounts
- Account is locked
- Recover a hacked account
- Recent activity page
- Unusual sign in activity
- Emails from Microsoft
- Texts from Microsoft
- Report technical support scams
Linked accounts
- Change the email address or phone number
- Add an email address or phone number
- Combining Microsoft accounts
- Link your Google account
What is a Microsoft account?
- What is a Microsoft account
- How to sign in to a Microsoft account
- Create a new Microsoft account
Update your profile
- Change your name or address
- Change your birthdate
- Change your picture
Devices
- Register or remove devices
- Hardware service and repair
Close your account
- Close an account
- Reopen your Microsoft account
Microsoft account Microsoft account dashboard More...Less
Why do I need a verification code?
When you sign in to your Microsoft account, we may ask for additional proof that it's really you.You can add up to 10 different ways to verify your sign-in, and you can choose from:
-
An email address or phone number.It doesn't have to be yours - you just need to be able to accessit if you want to use it to verify your account. You may find it useful to add contact details for your partner or a family member who could access your account in case of emergency.
-
An authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticatorthat can provide easier verification, and also allows you to sign in even if the verification device is offline.
-
A passkey.Passkeys are secure, phish-resistant replacements for your password which means they can’t be guessed or stolen. You use your face, fingerprint, or device PIN to sign in.Learn more.
Add a way to verify sign-in to your Microsoft account
-
Sign in to the Advanced security optionspage of your Microsoft Account.
Sign in -
Select Add a new way to sign in or verify then choose how you would like to receive security codes.
Note:VOIP numbers cannot be added as a way to sign in or get verification codes.
-
We'll send a security code to the new number or email to confirm. Enter that code when prompted and then select Next.
-
That's it!Next time you need a sign-in verification code, you will see the new option listed.
Important:Make sure the list of phone numbers or email addresses you use to verifysign-inis up to date.If you change your work or school email address, you may not be able to access your account.
Removing verification methods
Important:
-
You don't need to remove old security information unless there is an account security risk (e.g. someone else has access to your old mailbox).
-
If you do need to replace your security information, make sure you add new information first.
-
If you request removal of all security information in your account, the account is put into a restricted state for 30-days. Your information doesn’t actually change in this time. During the 30-day restriction period, we cannot accept further changes or additions to security settings or billing information. Your account is still open and active, and you can still use your email, Skype, OneDriveand devices as usual. While we understand this 30-day period might be frustrating, this is done to protect and alert you in case the security info was removed by someone who had unauthorized access to your account. Learn more.
-
Sign in to the Advanced security optionspage of your Microsoft Account.
Sign in -
Expand the verification option and select Remove.
-
Select Remove again to confirm.
Other sign in & verification options
-
If you want to add an email address which you will use for sending or receiving email, read how to change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account.
-
To increase security on your account, you can requesta verification code every time you sign in. To learn how, read how to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account.
See also
Troubleshooting verification code issues
Need more help?
Contact Support
For technical support, go toContact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and selectGet Help. If you still need help, selectContact Supportto be routed to the best support option.
SUBSCRIBE RSS FEEDS
Need more help?
Want more options?
Discover Community
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Microsoft 365 subscription benefits
Microsoft 365 training
Microsoft security
Accessibility center
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.