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Password & Account Recovery

Fix Microsoft Office Password Reset Code Not Arriving on iMac

Natalie TaylorNatalie Taylor Sep 30, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is attempting to reset their Microsoft Office password on an iMac but is stuck because the secondary verification code required to complete the process does not arrive.

How to Reset a Microsoft Office Password on an iMac When Codes Don't Arrive
Product
Microsoft Office
Device & OS
Mac / iMac
Scenario
Attempting to create a new password to recover account access and sign in to Office applications on MacOS.
Observed behavior
The initial password reset code arrives via email, but the subsequent verification code needed to finalize the new password is never received.
Before you start

Check your email's spam, junk, or promotions folders for the missing verification code, and ensure your internet connection is stable before requesting another reset.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Password via Web Browser and Clear Mac License Files

Bypass the in-app verification glitch by resetting your Microsoft account password through a standard web browser, then clearing old Mac activation files using the official removal tool.

Often, the verification loop happens when attempting to reset your password directly through the native Office application on a Mac. Moving the process to a web browser ensures a more reliable connection to Microsoft's account servers.

1
Confirm Your Account Email

Double-check that you are entering the exact email address associated with your Microsoft Office subscription before proceeding.

2
Reset Password in a Web Browser

Open a browser like Safari or Chrome. If you have a personal account, navigate to https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx. For a work or school account, go to https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/. Follow the prompts to receive the code and create a new password.

3
Run the Office License Removal Tool

Download Microsoft's official Office License Removal Tool for Mac from their support site. Open the downloaded package and follow the on-screen instructions to clear old activation tokens from your iMac.

4
Sign In to Office Again

Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel. When the sign-in prompt appears, enter your email address and the newly created password to reactivate your software.

Reset Password via Web Browser and Clear Mac License Files
Select the Correct Portal: Make sure you use the correct reset link for your account type, as personal accounts and business/school accounts are managed on completely separate Microsoft portals.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Mac While Recovering Your Account

If you are locked out of Microsoft Office and need to view or edit documents urgently, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that doesn't require a complex account recovery process to get started.

  1. 1. Download the Application: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac installer.
  2. 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
  3. 3. Open Your Files Instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files with full editing capabilities.
Completely free to download and use on MacExcellent compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight application that won't slow down your iMacFamiliar user interface for a seamless migration without a steep learning curve
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not receiving the Microsoft verification code email?

The email may be getting miscategorized as spam by your email provider, or automated messages from Microsoft might be temporarily blocked. Adding the Microsoft domain to your safe senders list or trying a different network can often resolve this.

Does the License Removal Tool delete my personal files on my Mac?

No, the License Removal Tool strictly targets Office activation and license files hidden in your system library. It will not touch, modify, or delete your personal documents, spreadsheets, or presentations.

Can I use Microsoft Office apps without signing in?

Without a signed-in, actively licensed account, Microsoft Office applications will enter reduced functionality mode. You will only be able to open and read documents, but you will not be able to edit them or create new ones.