MFA & Verification Issues

Fix OneDrive Verification Code Not Arriving After Changing Phones

Steve K Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to receive the SMS verification code to sign into OneDrive after switching to a new mobile device, despite keeping the same phone number.

Fixing OneDrive Verification Code Not Arriving After Changing Phones

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Signing in to a OneDrive account on a newly purchased mobile device.
Observed behavior: The verification code SMS does not arrive, preventing the user from successfully completing the login process.

Before you start

Ensure your new phone has active cellular service to receive SMS messages, and check if your carrier is temporarily blocking automated shortcode texts.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Alternative Verification Method

Log in using a secondary verification option like Microsoft Authenticator or an alternative email if SMS codes are failing.

If the SMS routing to your new phone is delayed or blocked, utilizing an alternative verification method you previously set up is the fastest way to regain access to your account.

Select an alternative sign-in option

On the OneDrive login screen, enter your password and click on 'Sign in another way' or 'I didn't get a code' when prompted for the verification step.

Choose your secondary method

Select an alternative method from the list, such as 'Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app' or sending a code to your secondary recovery email address.

Verify and register the new device

Follow the on-screen prompts to authenticate. Once logged in, go to your Microsoft account security settings to update and verify your current phone hardware.

Pro Tip: Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new device immediately after logging in will prevent future SMS delivery issues.

Solution 2

Update Security Info on a Trusted Device

Use a computer or tablet where you are already signed in to update your authentication methods.

Solution 3

Contact Support or IT Administrator

Reach out for administrative assistance if you are completely locked out of your account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Hassle-Free Office Suite with WPS Office

If you are locked out of your OneDrive account and urgently need to access, edit, or create documents, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, seamless, and free productivity experience with robust local file management and its own secure cloud storage, without complicated authentication loops.

1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your new device.
2. Open existing files locally: Easily open your downloaded Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly in WPS Office.
3. Save and sync: Save your work locally or securely upload it to WPS Cloud for easy backup and cross-device syncing.

Free, lightweight, and easy to use across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and AndroidFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsBuilt-in secure cloud storage (WPS Cloud) for instant file access without complex MFA setupsWork entirely offline without needing a persistent cloud login

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I stop receiving Microsoft verification codes after switching phones?

This usually happens because security tokens for authentication apps are tied to the hardware of your previous device, or your cellular carrier's settings on the new device are temporarily blocking shortcode SMS messages used for verification.

Can I transfer my Microsoft Authenticator data to a new phone?

Yes, but you must first ensure cloud backup was enabled in the Authenticator app on your old phone. Once backed up, you can log into the Authenticator app on your new phone and choose 'Begin recovery' to restore your credentials.

How long does the Microsoft account recovery process take?

If you submit an account recovery form for a personal Microsoft account, it typically takes up to 24 hours for the support team to review your submitted information and respond with a status update.

Can my IT administrator bypass the OneDrive verification code prompt?

Yes. If you are using a managed work or school account, your IT administrator can reset your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) settings from the admin portal, which will allow you to set up your verification methods from scratch on your new phone.

Login & Account Issues