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Fix Microsoft Rewards Not Supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone Number

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to verify their Microsoft Rewards account for gift card redemption because their Bosnia and Herzegovina phone number is rejected.

How to Fix Microsoft Rewards Not Accepting a Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone Number

Product: Microsoft Rewards
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Redeeming a gift card in Microsoft Rewards requiring SMS phone number verification.
Observed behavior: The phone number from Bosnia and Herzegovina is rejected during the gift card verification process, even if the same number works with other Microsoft accounts.

Before you start

Ensure your mobile plan allows receiving international SMS messages, and verify that you are not using a VoIP or virtual phone number, as Microsoft strictly blocks these for Rewards redemption.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Phone Number Formatting and Country Code

Ensure the phone number is typed correctly using the proper international format for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Incorrect formatting is one of the most common reasons phone numbers fail verification. Microsoft Rewards requires the strict application of international country codes without redundant digits.

Check the Country Code

Make sure the country code drop-down is set to +387 for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Remove Leading Zeros

Enter your local phone number without the leading zero. For example, if your local number is 06X XXX XXX, only type 6X XXX XXX after the +387 code.

Clear Browser Cache

Browser caching issues can sometimes trigger phantom verification failures. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or open an Incognito/Private window, then attempt to redeem your reward again.

Verify Phone Number Formatting and Country Code

VoIP Number Restriction: Microsoft's security policy will automatically reject any number identified as a VoIP or landline number unable to receive standard SMS texts.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Rewards Support

If your number format is correct but still gets rejected, your account may be temporarily restricted by the automated security system. You must contact support to resolve it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Bosnia and Herzegovina number work for Microsoft account login but not for Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards uses a separate, much stricter anti-fraud verification system than standard account login or recovery. This system aggressively blocks numbers it suspects might be virtual, VoIP, or temporary, which sometimes incorrectly catches legitimate international numbers.

Can I transfer my Microsoft Rewards points to an account with a working phone number?

No, Microsoft policy strictly prohibits the transfer of Rewards points between different accounts. You must resolve the verification issue on the specific account where the points were earned.

Can I use a virtual phone number to bypass this Microsoft Rewards error?

No, Microsoft actively detects and blocks VoIP and virtual numbers. Using one may result in an immediate rejection or even a permanent ban on your Microsoft Rewards account.

How long does Microsoft Rewards support usually take to respond?

Typically, Microsoft Rewards support responds within 24 to 48 hours, although wait times can extend to several days during high-volume periods or holidays.

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