Bypassing Phone Verification to Unlock a Work or School Account

During the migration of Outlook from Go Daddy, I lost access to my primary email account. Unfortunately, I'm unable to reset the password because the only verification option is through a phone call, but the registered phone number is no longer valid and I have no way to update it with Microsoft. I do have an inactive Outlook account with the same email address on my personal Office account, but I want to use the original Go Daddy account, which has 7 years of history. I've tried chatting with Microsoft support through my personal account, but they can't assist with the closed work/school account. Microsoft has reached out to the administrator (Go Daddy), but they've closed the record.

Why doesn't Microsoft offer an alternative verification method for situations like this?

Sorry to hear that you’re stuck in this situation. Losing access to an account with a long history is frustrating, especially when you’re unable to reset the password due to an outdated phone number.

I understand your concern about Microsoft not offering alternative verification methods in cases like this. While I don’t have an answer to that specific question, I do have some potential steps you can take to try and regain access to your work/school account:

  1. Escalate the issue with Microsoft Support: Since the initial support agent couldn’t assist you, try reaching out to Microsoft Support again and ask to escalate the issue to a higher-level supervisor or specialist. Sometimes, higher-level support agents have more flexibility or access to additional tools that might help in your situation.

  2. Contact Go Daddy directly: Even though the record is closed, try reaching out to Go Daddy support directly and explain your situation. They might be able to provide additional information or assistance to help Microsoft verify your identity and update the phone number associated with your account.

  3. Provide proof of identity and account ownership: Gather any available documentation that proves your identity and connection to the work/school account, such as email archives, old receipts, or any other relevant records. If you’re able to provide sufficient proof, Microsoft might be willing to make an exception and assist you in updating the phone number or resetting the password.

  4. Check if your organization has an IT department: If you still have a connection to the organization associated with the work/school account, reach out to their IT department and explain the situation. They might have the necessary resources or contacts to help resolve the issue.

  5. Consider seeking a third-party account recovery service: There are third-party services that specialize in account recovery. Keep in mind that these services often come with a cost and may not guarantee success. Be cautious when exploring this option, and make sure to research the service thoroughly before proceeding.

Remember to stay patient and persistent in your efforts. It might take some time and perseverance, but hopefully, one of these steps will help you regain access to your original Go Daddy account. Good luck