Password & Account Recovery

Recover OneDrive or Live Mail Without Authenticator App

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to recover a Microsoft Live Mail or OneDrive account with two-step verification enabled because they lost access to the Authenticator app and their recovery code.

Product: Microsoft Live Mail and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to regain access to a Microsoft account with two-step verification enabled without the primary authentication app.
Observed behavior: Account recovery is blocked due to repeated failed attempts and lack of the Authenticator app or a recovery code, despite the user having access to the account email and phone number.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to your connected phone number or alternate email address, and gather any previously saved Microsoft account recovery codes before attempting to log in.

Solution 1Recommended

Use SMS or Alternate Email Verification

If you still have access to the phone number or alternate email linked to your account, you can receive a security code to bypass the Authenticator app.

Microsoft provides alternative verification methods when the Authenticator app is unavailable, provided you have updated your security info.

Access the sign-in page

Go to the Microsoft account login page and enter your Live Mail or OneDrive email address.

Select alternative verification

When prompted for the Authenticator code, click on 'Sign in another way' or 'I don't have my Authenticator app'.

Request an SMS code

Choose the option to send a verification code to your registered phone number or alternate email. Enter the code once you receive it.

Wait Period for Failed Attempts: If you have made too many failed login attempts recently, Microsoft may temporarily block the sign-in process. Wait 24 hours before trying the SMS verification method again.

Solution 2

Use a Saved 25-Character Recovery Code

If you saved the 25-character recovery code when you first enabled two-step verification, you can use it to regain access.

Solution 3

Contact Your Payment Provider to Stop Subscriptions

If account recovery is completely impossible and you have active Microsoft subscriptions, you will need to stop the charges through your payment provider.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the standard Microsoft Account Recovery form if two-step verification is enabled?

No. If two-step verification is turned on, the standard Microsoft account recovery form will be automatically ignored. You must use alternate verification methods (like SMS or an alternate email) or your 25-character recovery code.

What is a Microsoft recovery code and where do I find it?

A recovery code is a unique 25-character alphanumeric string generated when you first set up two-step verification. It is not sent to you later; it must have been saved, printed, or written down by you during the initial security setup process.

How long do I have to wait if my Microsoft account is locked due to too many attempts?

Typically, Microsoft temporarily locks an account or blocks a specific verification method for 24 hours after repeated failed login attempts. You should wait a full day before trying to sign in again.

Will I lose my OneDrive files if I can never recover the account?

Yes. If you cannot recover the account through SMS, an alternate email, or a recovery code, the files stored exclusively on that locked OneDrive account will remain permanently inaccessible.

Login & Account Issues