Fix Guide for: “That Verification Method Isn’t Working Right Now” Error

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In This Guide

TRY IT NOW: Quick Overview of the Solutions

Easy Ways to Troubleshoot the “That Verification Method Isn’t Working Right Now” Verification Code Error

Solution 1. Verify the Correct Phone Number

Solution 2. Use Incognito Mode on Your Browser

Solution 3. Switch to a Different Browser

Solution 4. Try Another Verification Method or Use the Microsoft Authenticator App

Advanced Ways to Fix the “That Verification Method Isn’t Working Right Now” Error

Adv. Solution 1. Clear Cache and Cookies

Adv. Solution 2. Create a New Account on Gmail

Adv. Solution 3. Reach Out to Microsoft Support

Final Words

Fix It Now

When managing your Microsoft account, you may need to use a verification code for tasks such as updating your password or redeeming rewards.
This step is a part of two-factor authentication and is crucial for ensuring your account’s security and integrity.
However, some users have reported encountering errors during this process. One of the errors we’ll be solving today is the “That verification method isn’t working right now” error. The complete message reads: “Try another verification method. That verification method isn’t working right now. Please try another method”.

Several factors can cause this error. Unusual activity on your account, which Microsoft might interpret as potentially risky behavior, can lead to a temporary block. Additionally, a high volume of requests or violations of the service’s terms can result in an account block. Issues with browser cache or the use of non-standard phone numbers from virtual services can also interfere with the verification process. This issue has been particularly reported by users from non-US countries like Russia and Nepal.

Coupled with this error, some users report the ‘1200: something went wrong’ error as well.

If you are struggling with this error message, the following solutions will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue, so follow along.

Easy Ways to Troubleshoot the “That Verification Method Isn’t Working Right Now” Verification Code Error

Let’s begin with a detailed description of the easy solutions. These solutions are user friendly so can be followed easily using the steps provided:

Solution 1. Verify the Correct Phone Number 

To ensure verification codes are sent correctly, use a valid phone number from a supported phone service provider.

• Log in to your “Microsoft” account.
• Go to the “Security” section.

• Choose “Advanced security options”.

• Click on the “Text a Code” section.

• Verify that the phone number is valid and from a recognized telephone company.
• Update the phone number if needed.

Make sure the phone number you use is correct and not already associated with another Microsoft account. Microsoft does not allow the same phone number to be linked to multiple accounts.

Additionally, ensure your region matches the phone number’s area code. If you experience a high volume of requests, wait for 15-30 minutes before trying again. If there is a block, it typically lasts 24 hours. In that case, wait another 24-48 hours and try again with a different phone number.

Solution 2. Use Incognito Mode on Your Browser

Incognito mode disables browser extensions and uses default settings, which can help if the error is due to browser configuration.

• Open your browser.
• Look for the menu icon, typically three dots or lines, usually in the browser’s top-right corner.
• Select the “New Incognito Window” option from the dropdown menu to open an incognito window.

• Try the verification process again in the new incognito window.

Solution 3. Switch to a Different Browser 

Using a different browser can help if the issue is browser-specific. Here are the Instructions:

• Download and install a different browser such as “Firefox”, “Chrome”, or “Edge”.

• Launch the newly installed browser.
• Navigate to the “Microsoft Account Login” Page.
• Attempt the verification process again in the new browser.

Solution 4. Try Another Verification Method or Use the Microsoft Authenticator App

If one verification method fails, trying an alternative can help bypass the error. Here are instructions on how to use another verification method:

• Log in to your “Microsoft” account.
• Navigate to “Security”.

• Select “Advanced Security Options”.

• Click “Add a New Way to Sign In or Verify”.

• Choose a different verification method such as a secondary email address, phone number, or the Microsoft Authenticator app.

• Complete the setup process as guided by the prompts.

Using the Microsoft Authenticator App

• Ensure the app is set up correctly on your smartphone. 
• Instead of entering a verification code, you will see a prompt with details of the sign-in attempt when you open the app.
• Approve the ‘Sign-In Request’ by tapping “Approve” to confirm the sign-in.

Advanced Ways to Fix the “That Verification Method Isn’t
Working Right Now” Error

If the above solutions don’t work for you, you can try the below methods to resolve the issue. 

Adv. Solution 1. Clear Cache and Cookies 

Stored cache and cookies can sometimes cause verification errors. Clearing them can refresh your browser and resolve the issue.

• Open your browser.
• Head to the menu icon and go to “Settings”.
• Navigate to the “Privacy and Security” section, depending upon your browser, the name might slightly differ.
• Select “Clear Browsing Data/Cookies and Site Data”.

• Choose “Clear cache and cookies” and “All time” in the time range then confirm by clicking “Clear Data/Clear Now”.

Adv. Solution 2. Create a New Account on Gmail

A new Gmail account can be used if the problem is account-specific or if you are facing the error specifically on Outlook and are unable to solve it.

• Go to the “Gmail” sign-up page.
• Create a new account and use it for verification purposes.

Adv. Solution 3. Reach Out to Microsoft Support

If the above solutions do not work, contacting Microsoft Support can provide you with personalized assistance.

• Visit the Microsoft Support website.
• Find the “contact” option and explain the issue to get help.

Final Words

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “That verification method isn’t working right now” error. Just start following each solution in sequence until you find the solution that works for you. We hope this guide has helped fix the problem for you.