2 Ways to Fix Microsoft Not Sending a Security Code

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling. Learn about our Tech Review Board

Ankita enjoys exploring and writing about technology. Starting as a script and copywriter, her keen interest in the digital world pulled her towards technology. With GT, she has found her calling in writing about and simplifying the world of tech for others. On any given day, you can catch her chained to her laptop, meeting deadlines, writing scripts, and watching shows (any language!). Learn about our Tech Review Board

• You can also receive the security code via email. This can be helpful if you don’t receive the security code text message.
• Ensure to double-check the phone number or email ID you enter when requesting the security code.
• Once you’ve signed in, enable passwordless login to prevent such situations in the future.

Basic Fixes:

• Double-check contact information: If you haven’t selected the correct country code for your number or are missing a digit, Microsoft can’t send you the security code. In this case, double-check and ensure the number you enter is correct.
• Check your network connection: If you have one or two network bars on your phone, you may face issues receiving a security code from Microsoft. If so, move around the house to see if signal strength improves or enable and disable Airplane Mode. Then, request another code.
• Check the spam/junk folder: Most messaging apps and email services have spam/junk folders. So, if you can’t see the security code, check and ensure it hasn’t been accidentally sorted in the spam/junk folder in your messages or mail app.
• Disable VPN: An active VPN connection from a different IP address may prevent you from getting a security code from Microsoft. So, open your preferred VPN app and disconnect the VPN app.
• Try private browsing or use a different browser: Browser cache or cookies can sometimes prevent websites from processing certain requests. So, open an incognito window in your preferred browser and try again. You can also try using another browser to double-check.

Fix 1: Try Receiving the Code via Email

If you can’t receive the security code via text message, you can also opt to receive it via your email. To do this, go to the sign-in options page and select the relevant email ID. Then, enter the code once it’s available. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft and tap on Next. Then, tap on I don’t have any of these.

Step 2: From the options, tap on the relevant email ID. If prompted, re-enter the selected email ID and tap on Next.

Now, check the email ID and enter the code in the relevant space to finish the sign-in process.

Fix 2: Enable Passwordless Account

After accessing your Microsoft account, enable the passwordless login function. Once done, you can seamlessly login to your Microsoft account without any password. Sign in to your Microsoft account and follow the below steps to do it.

Note: Ensure you have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your Android or iOS device before proceeding.

Step 1: Open your Microsoft account on any web browser. From the sidebar, click on Security.

Step 2: Click on Manage how I sign in from Account options.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Passwordless account option and click on Turn on.

Step 4: When prompted, click on Next.

Step 5: Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and click on Next.

Now, scan the QR Code on your mobile to finish the process. Once done, follow the on-screen instructions to remove the password for your Microsoft Account to make it truly passwordless.

Tip: If you get a new phone, you can always transfer your Microsoft Authenticator app to the other phone.