How to fix
“That verification method isn’t working right now” error
on Windows

I wanted to reset my Microsoft password but when I try to do that it says "That verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method." What should I do?

When managing your Microsoft account, you may need to use a verification code to make changes such as updating your password or redeeming rewards. This process is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your account. However, some users have reported encountering the "That verification method isn't working right now" error during this process. Many of those affected were from non-US countries like Russia or Nepal.

Why does this happen?

There are a few possible causes of the "That verification method isn't working right now" error, including an issue with the browser cache that tampers with the verification procedure. It may also be caused by suspicious activity on your account or a large number of verification requests. Furthermore, it's possible that utilizing non-standard phone numbers - like those from virtual phone services like Google Voice - won't be accepted for verification.

Potential solutions

To address the "That verification method isn't working right now" error, consider the following steps:

• Clear cache and cookies 
  A cluttered cache can cause problems with verification. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help.
• Use a different verification method
  If one method isn't working, try an alternative method such as email or another phone number.
• Ensure the correct phone number
  Make sure the phone number you use is correct and comes from a regular telephone company. Google Voice and other virtual numbers often don't work.
• Try incognito mode
  Browsers in incognito mode don't use the cache, which can sometimes resolve the issue.
• Use a different browser
  Sometimes the problem is browser-specific. Trying a different one can help.
• Contact Microsoft support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

If you need detailed guidelines on how to perform these steps, they are provided below. Additionally, using a [d1] PC repair tool can automatically fix any underlying Windows issues that might be contributing to this problem.

Fix 1. Clear cache and cookies

A cluttered cache can interfere with the verification process. Clearing it helps to reset the browser and remove any corrupted data.

Google Chrome

• Open Chrome.
• Click on Menu and select Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, pick Clear browsing data.
• Select All time under the time range.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Microsoft Edge

• Open Edge and click on three horizontal dots (Settings and more).
• Select Settings and then pick Privacy, search, and services on the left.
• On the right side of the window, scroll down to find the Clear browsing data section.
• Click Choose what to clear.
• Select All time under the time range.
• Pick all the sections and click Clear now.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner of the Firefox window.
• Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
• From the panel on the left side, click on Privacy & Security.
• Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section, and click on Clear Data.
• Ensure both boxes for Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked, and then click on Clear.

Fix 2. Use a different verification method

If one verification method fails, trying an alternative can help bypass the error.

• Log in to your Microsoft account.
• Navigate to the Security.
• Select Advanced security options.
• Click Add a new way to sign in to verify.
• Pick one of the options that you would like to use.
• Proceed with on-screen instructions to finish the process.

Fix 3. Ensure the correct phone number

Using the correct phone number ensures that verification codes are sent to a valid and supported phone service.

• Log in to your Microsoft account.
• Navigate to the Security.
• Select Advanced security options.
• Click on the Text a code section.
• Ensure it is a valid number from a regular telephone company.
• Update the phone number if necessary.

Fix 4. Try incognito mode

Incognito mode uses a fresh session without cached data, which can help resolve verification issues.

• Open your browser.
• Click on the menu icon (three dots or lines).
• Select New incognito window.
• Try the verification process again in the new window.

Fix 5. Use a different browser

Sometimes the problem is specific to the browser you are using. Trying a different one can help.

• Download and install a different browser (e.g., Firefox, Chrome, Edge).
• Open the new browser.
• Navigate to the Microsoft account login page.
• Attempt the verification process again.

Fix 6. Wait and try later

High volume of requests can cause temporary issues. Waiting for some time can resolve the problem.

• Wait for at least 30 minutes.
• Attempt the verification process again.
• If the issue persists, try after a few hours or days.

Fix 7. Contact Microsoft support

If none of the above steps work, contacting support can provide additional assistance.

• Go to the Microsoft support website.
• Navigate to the Contact Us section (you can usually find this at the very bottom of the page).
• Choose the relevant category.
• Follow the instructions to contact a support representative.