MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Verification Codes Not Arriving in Office Apps

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to receive the verification emails required to complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) and sign in to Microsoft 365 services.

Product: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Access)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Signing in to Microsoft 365 applications that require multi-factor verification.
Observed behavior: Verification emails fail to arrive in the user's inbox, blocking access to Microsoft 365 applications and files.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are checking the correct email inbox associated with your Microsoft account. Have a mobile device ready in case you need to configure an authenticator app.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Email Filters, Junk Folders, and Blocked Senders

Automated verification emails are frequently routed to spam folders or blocked by strict mailbox rules.

Before assuming the code wasn't sent, thoroughly check your email client's automated filtering systems. Some email providers misidentify Microsoft's security emails as promotional or spam content.

Check Junk or Spam

Navigate to your email client's 'Junk' or 'Spam' folder and search for recent emails from Microsoft account security.

Review Mailbox Rules

Open your email settings and check your Inbox Rules to ensure no rules are automatically moving or deleting emails containing words like 'verification' or 'security code'.

Check Blocked Senders

Review your 'Blocked Senders' list to confirm that Microsoft's official domains (such as @accountprotection.microsoft.com) are not blocked.

Organizational Accounts: If you are using a work or school email account, organizational firewalls or Microsoft 365 admin policies may be blocking the emails. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.

Solution 2

Set Up Microsoft Authenticator as an Alternative Method

Bypass email delivery issues entirely by using a dedicated authenticator app for two-step verification.

Solution 3

Use the Microsoft Account Recovery Process

If you are completely locked out of your account and no alternative methods are available, use the official account recovery form.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Microsoft Login Hassles

If you are frequently locked out of Microsoft 365 due to verification email issues or strict MFA requirements, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, locally accessible alternative that lets you view, edit, and create documents without relying on complex Microsoft account authentications.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open' to select your existing Microsoft 365 documents locally.
3. Work Without Interruptions: Edit and save your files instantly without needing Microsoft account verification codes or internet access.

Avoid Microsoft account verification lockouts by working securely offline.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation and a familiar tabbed interface for a seamless transition.Completely free basic version with powerful built-in PDF editing tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft verification code not sending to my phone?

SMS delivery issues can be caused by network congestion, your carrier blocking shortcode messages, or the phone number being entered incorrectly in your security settings. Try restarting your phone, or set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to bypass SMS entirely.

Can I still access my Word and Excel files if I can't verify my Microsoft account?

If your files are stored locally on your computer's hard drive, you can still open and edit them using a compatible offline office suite like WPS Office. However, if your files are stored exclusively on OneDrive, you must recover your Microsoft account to access them.

How do I turn off Microsoft two-step verification if I can't log in?

You cannot disable two-step verification without first signing in. You must use an alternative verification method or go through the Microsoft account recovery process to regain access before you can modify your security settings.

Login & Account Issues