MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft 365 Education Identity Verification Issues in India

Emma Brown Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to receive the SMS verification code required to complete the Microsoft 365 Education sign-up process.

Fix Microsoft 365 Education Identity Verification Issues in India

Product: Microsoft 365 Education
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Registering for a new Microsoft 365 Education account using an Indian phone number.
Observed behavior: Phone verification fails, no verification code is sent via SMS, and the provided support link returns a 404 error.

Before you start

Ensure your phone has a stable cellular connection to receive SMS messages and check that your number is not registered on a Do Not Disturb (DND) list that might block automated verification texts.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch Your Browser, Network, or Device

Network restrictions or browser caching issues can sometimes block the verification request from being processed correctly by Microsoft's servers.

Browser cache and cookies can occasionally conflict with the sign-up scripts. Using a fresh session or entirely different network helps isolate whether the block is localized to your current setup.

Use Incognito Mode

Open a new Incognito or Private Browsing window in your current web browser to ensure no old cookies or cached files are interfering with the sign-up process.

Change Networks

If you are on a school or public Wi-Fi network, disconnect and switch to a cellular data hotspot or a different home network, as some firewalls block verification scripts.

Try a Different Device

Attempt the registration process from a completely different device, such as a mobile phone or another computer, to rule out device-specific blocks.

Solution 2

Use an Alternative Phone Number or Email Address

Microsoft may temporarily block verification if a specific phone number or email address has been flagged for multiple trial registrations.

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Bypass Sign-Up Hassles with WPS Office

If you are struggling with Microsoft 365 registration and urgently need to edit documents, spreadsheets, or presentations for your schoolwork, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative that requires no complex verification.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
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3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and immediately open or create Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without needing an educational license verification.

Free to use for students and educators without strict phone verification hurdlesSeamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight installation that works efficiently even on older student laptopsFamiliar user interface ensuring a zero-learning-curve transition for Microsoft users

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not receiving the Microsoft 365 verification code via SMS?

This is typically caused by network delays, your mobile carrier blocking automated shortcode SMS messages, or your phone number being flagged by Microsoft for too many trial sign-up attempts.

What does the HTTP 404 error mean during the verification process?

An HTTP 404 error indicates that the specific support webpage or verification endpoint you are trying to reach is currently unavailable, moved, or experiencing server issues on Microsoft's end.

Can I register for Microsoft 365 Education without a phone number?

Microsoft typically requires phone verification to prevent spam and system abuse. However, if your school has an IT administrator, they can often create and assign an account directly to you without requiring individual phone verification.

How many times can I use my phone number for Microsoft trials?

While Microsoft does not publicly disclose the exact limit, repeatedly using the same phone number across multiple accounts within a short period will trigger automated security blocks, preventing further SMS codes from being sent.

Login & Account Issues