Lost My Account Indefinitely

MichaelVatcher · May 28, 2022

I had to break free from some toxic people and changed my cell phone number. Thats typically not an easy situation, especially with people close to you. And in a situation where you cut people off from communication, in that state of drama, you don't think, "Oh hey, I should go see if my old cell phone was a two step authentication on Microsoft!"

It wasn't something I thought about until I changed my password late one night. I couldn't get it right the next day. Because my two step authentication requires a code from my recovery email (which I have acces to) and my old cell number, there is no recovering my nearly 20 year old account. The cell line isn't accepting calls. Because it isn't a working number, it no longer serves as an authentication method. Rather than protect my account or help me recover my account, it has locked me indefinitely out. Really, it makes it possible for a random stranger at some point to have half of the authentication process.. And my only hope is that someone someday will randomly get my number and be willing to help me.

Microsoft is zero help here. One rep promised, her word not mine, that she had a way to recover it if I could provide these very detailed items about the account, which I did. But I was informed later that she was full of it. She really went on and on about having hope and trusting in their tools and so forth. I talked with so many reps trying to explore every option. Impossible.

On top of that, the final rep knew I was upset and he would not close the chat which initiates the review prompt. I had talked to so many reps before, I knew the review prompt was the final interaction. I kept encouraging a close but he wouldn't. He'd say "bye" and such but not exit till I finally said, "You can leave so I can leave my review." He was awkwardly carrying on this extended goodbye for what seemed only to avoid the review he knew I would leave. Which I recognize and mentioned the situation was out of his control and he did what he could with the tools he had.

However, this whole thing has been the worst experience I've had with a company I once loved so much. I've sworn off Microsoft gaming, which is sad. I have four kids that I was playing xbox games with. But I'll just focus on the Nintendo switch now or Steam.

:)

KindGryphon

Do you not have your 2 step verification backup codes?

When you initially turned on two step verification it would have provided you with several one time use 2 step verification backup codes (which are meant for this very situation) so that if you lose/change your phone number youd still have another way to get back into your account.

Did you save said codes somewhere?

Nkosana23

Hi. My name is Brilliant, an independent advisor, happy to assist you today.

Unfortunately the only possible way to recover your account is by filling the account recovery form. If that is unsuccessful, then you may have to come to terms with that your account may be lost indefinitely.

I am sorry you're faced with the loss of your account, unfortunately that is the only available option.

Dadwhite

First check the enforcement site to verify that all suspensions are really over: https://enforcement.xbox.com/en-US

If all suspensions are expired, and you are therefore clear, try the following steps:

Remove your account from the Xbox.
Give your Xbox a power cycle.
Add your account back into the Xbox.
Attempt to use the social features now.

But there is also an issue where additional suspension are not showing up on the enforcement site but the Microsoft Direct Phone support should have been able to see any extensions. They would not know the whys but the would know the end dates

KindGryphon

It's been awhile since my account got banned for indefinite, Over 7 years of data lost. Cant even play offline with any of my games, I Feel i have been banned for an unfair amount of time ( Indefinite ), The Reason I got banned was because during a message conversation with a friend on chats we were talking and I typed the word '' **** '' and '' **** '' and he thought it would be funny to report me. Obviously I was telling him not to because of previous suspensions in the past and didn't want to get banned, but nonetheless i got banned and for a unfair amount of time., My appeal was also denied but I am honestly not very happy that i got that amount of time. I understand that the words i used may not have been appropriate but a INDEFINITE Ban? for those words? not fair.

They do take into account all of your accounts previous suspensions that your account has ever had when determining the punishment for future bans.

so if you have gotten suspended in the past other times then they would see that as you not learning your lesson and eventually slap a permanent ban down if it continued.

That being said if they denied your appeal then theres nothing else that can be done.

Itzz Kamzz

I have submitted appeal but it was denied but I emailed them again but they haven’t responded yet and my end date time says indefinite what does that mean for my Xbox account

Lost My Account Indefinitely