Can't get the verification code, verification email has been deleted

Question

Hello AWS Community

I have a client who can't connect to his AWS account

due to fact the email address used to create the AWS account and receive the verification code when connecting has been deleted due to inactivity
(proton mail deletes free email account after 1 year of inactivity I should have warned him)

The email cannot be restored and according to proton themselves the mail name won't be available back so I cannot simply recreate an email with the same name to receive the code.
Is there another way to connect to the AWS account since I have only the username and password?

We need to access the console to fix a website that is down at the moment, every day counts and we seem out of options.
Thank you for your support.

Sylvain

Taz · Accepted Answer

Hey,

Hope you're keeping well.

In this situation the only path forward is to work through AWS Account Recovery with AWS Support, as email verification is required for console login and cannot be bypassed. Go to https://support.aws.amazon.com and choose “Account and Billing” → “Login and account recovery” → “I cannot sign in to my AWS account.” Provide as much proof of ownership as possible, such as billing information, payment method details, and past account activity. AWS Support will use this to verify identity and help update the contact email on the account so you can regain access.

Thanks and regards,  
Taz

re:Post Agent · Answer

If you can't access the verification code because the email address has been deleted, you have a few options to regain access to the AWS account:

1. Contact AWS Support directly through their account recovery process. You can submit a support request specifically for account access issues when you can't receive verification codes. Visit the AWS Support page and look for "Account and Billing" related options, specifically for "Unable to Sign In" issues.

2. If your client previously set up alternative authentication methods like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), try using those instead of the email verification code.

3. If your client provided alternative contact information during account setup (like a phone number), AWS might be able to verify identity through those means.

4. When contacting AWS Support, be prepared to provide documentation that proves ownership of the AWS account. This may include billing information, account details, and other identifying information to verify your client is the legitimate account owner.

5. If your client owns the domain used for the email address, check if you can set up a catch-all email that would redirect messages sent to the deleted address to another active email.

Since this is affecting a production website, make sure to emphasize the urgency of the situation when contacting AWS Support. They have processes in place to help customers who can no longer access their verification emails.  
**Sources**  
[Verification loop | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUrn53RsINSaSRziuBleOSDA/verification-loop)  
[Troubleshooting AWS account sign-in issues - AWS Sign-In](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/signin/latest/userguide/troubleshooting-sign-in-issues.html)  
[Don't have access to root users email id | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QU5fq7hflWQnqiPIXklaPj-A/don-t-have-access-to-root-users-email-id)  
[Root user no longer has access to phone number | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUk_1yjHnoSvSStTi-GzcRNg/root-user-no-longer-has-access-to-phone-number)

Can't get the verification code, verification email has been deleted

Add your answer

Relevant content