Forum Discussion
Can't get Microsoft to send code to email
Microsoft might never send the verification code due to:
- Misconfigured security settings or policies in your org (common with work accounts)
- Email delivery blocked, delayed, or misrouted
- Microsoft account requiring additional verification methods (e.g., Authenticator app)
- Buggy session/cookie/token state, especially after recent forced logouts
Try Logging in via Private/Incognito Window
Sometimes, cached sessions break login.
- Open Chrome/Edge/Firefox in Incognito/Private Mode
- Go to: https://portal.office.com
- Try logging in there with the same credentials
- If it prompts for the code, check email again
This resets the session more reliably than just closing and reopening Excel.
Use Microsoft Authenticator App Instead
If possible, switch to Authenticator App as your verification method:
- Go to: https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
- Log in with the same account
- Add Microsoft Authenticator or another 2FA method (like phone or backup email)
- Set that as default sign-in method
Now, login will no longer depend on that email code.
Check the Email Thoroughly
- Check Spam, Other tab (in Outlook), or Quarantine if using corporate email
You can also use:
https://security.microsoft.com/quarantine
…if you suspect it's blocked at the org level.
Log in via the Office App or OneDrive Website First
Try logging into the OneDrive web app first:
- Go to: https://onedrive.live.com
- Log in with your work account
- If it works, leave that tab open, and then open Excel or Word again
This can help Excel bypass the broken token validation step.
Clear Office Credentials & Restart Login
Manually clear cached Office credentials:
On Windows:
- Close Excel/Word/Outlook
- Open Credential Manager (Start > Credential Manager)
- Remove all entries starting with:
o MicrosoftOffice
o msteams_adalsso
o AzureAd
- Restart Excel
- Try logging in again
On Mac:
- Open Keychain Access
If All Else Fails: Contact Admin
If you're on a work/school account, your Microsoft 365 admin can:
- Add alternative authentication methods
- Check Azure Sign-In Logs
- Temporarily disable MFA or reset your credentials
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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