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.

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.

Hotmail is now Outlook.com. Learn how to sign in to access your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account.

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

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.

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.

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. A new message thread opens for you to begin with.

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.

If your system is asking you for your BitLocker recovery key, the following information may help you locate your recovery key and understand why you're being asked to provide it. Important: Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.

You can resolve problems with Microsoft Authenticator by checking the tips in this article and reviewing some of the known errors. Tips: If you're using mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and vice-versa. Make sure Airplane mode is off.