Account recovery

Get back into your account

Before you start

You will receive an SMS with:

Example Example SMS showing a Temporary Access Pass and a Temporary Password

Only enter these codes in the Microsoft Authenticator app or on Microsoft's own sign-in pages. Never share them with anyone, and only approve sign-in requests you started yourself.

Part 1 On your phone

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

    Microsoft Authenticator app icon

  2. Tap + (Add account) in the top-right corner.

    Authenticator home screen with the plus button highlighted

  3. Choose Work or school account.

    Add account screen with Work or school account highlighted

  4. Choose Sign in.

    Menu with Sign in highlighted above Scan QR code

  5. Enter your login name and tap Next.

    Microsoft Sign in screen with the email field and Next button highlighted

  6. Enter the Temporary Access Pass from the SMS and tap Sign in.

    Enter Temporary Access Pass screen

  7. Tap Continue.

    Let's secure your account screen with the Continue button highlighted

  8. If you're asked to register your device, tap Skip.

    Register your device screen with the Skip button highlighted

  9. Done ✅ Your account has been added to Authenticator.

    Account added confirmation screen

Part 2 On your computer

  1. Go to aka.ms/mysecurityinfo and enter your username.

    Microsoft Sign in page with the email field highlighted

  2. If a QR code appears, press Cancel.

    Passkey QR code dialog with the Cancel button highlighted

  3. Choose Use my password.

    Choose a way to sign in screen with Use my password highlighted

  4. Enter the Temporary Password from the SMS and click Sign in.

    Enter password screen

  5. Verify your identity. We recommend Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app, the app you just set up. Then open Authenticator on your phone, enter the number shown on your computer and tap Yes.

    Verify your identity screen listing the available methods

  6. Enter the Temporary Password again as your current password, then choose and confirm a new password. Click Sign in to save it.

    Update your password screen with current, new and confirm password fields

  7. Done ✅ You can now sign in with your new password and Microsoft Authenticator.