There are a number of possible explanations for why verification codes don't always arrive. Read through the list of the most common causes, and see if any of them apply to you, or use our troubleshooter to help guide you.

Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.

Contact Support. For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option. Learn how to manage your Microsoft account security info and troubleshoot verification code issues.

Mobile device or work phone call: Enter your mobile device number and get a phone call for two-step verification or password reset. For step-by-step instructions about how to verify your identity with a phone number, see Set up security info to use phone calls.

If you see a list of Android devices, choose the one you wish to pair with Phone Link to access your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more from your PC. Grant permissions on the Link to Windows app on your Android device. You are all set to use Phone Link.

Sending a message. If you haven't already set up messages, do the following: On your PC, in the Phone Link, select Messages. To start a new conversation, select New message. Enter the name or phone number of a contact. Select the person you want to send a message to.

Troubleshooting verification code issues. Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams. Learn how to unlock your Microsoft account and resolve 'account has been locked' error message.

If you're trying to add your Outlook.com account to Outlook or another mail app, you might need the POP, IMAP, or SMTP settings. You can find them below or by viewing them in your Outlook.com settings. Outlook and Outlook.com may be able to detect your account's mailbox settings automatically, but for other non-Microsoft accounts, you may need ...

The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

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