Udemezue John
If you’ve been using Microsoft Rewards for a while, you probably know how satisfying it feels to rack up points just for doing things you were already going to do—like searching the web, taking quizzes, or shopping online. Those points add up to gift cards, Xbox subscriptions, and even charitable donations.
But now and then, something frustrating happens: you notice that your points aren’t showing up.
Maybe you’ve completed your daily searches, answered the quizzes, or made a purchase, and yet the counter doesn’t budge.
I’ve run into this issue myself, and I know how annoying it can be. The good news is that in most cases, the problem is fixable.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons Microsoft Rewards might not be giving you points, how to troubleshoot the issue, and what you can do to get back on track.
Why Microsoft Rewards Sometimes Doesn’t Give Points
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand why this happens. Microsoft Rewards is tied to your Microsoft account and tracks your activities—like Bing searches or Microsoft Store purchases. If something isn’t syncing correctly, the system might not register your activity.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Account issues (like being signed out or using multiple accounts).
Browser problems, including cookies and cache blocking tracking.
App glitches in the Rewards app on mobile or Xbox.
Daily limits being reached without realizing it.
System delays, where points take time to appear.
Regional restrictions, since not all Rewards features are available in every country.
Now let’s go step by step through the possible fixes.
Step 1: Check If You’ve Hit Your Daily Limit
One of the easiest things to overlook is the daily cap on points. For example, Bing searches on desktop and mobile each have a maximum number of points you can earn per day. If you’ve already reached that, you won’t see more points until the next day.
To check:
Go to the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
Look at your daily set and search progress.
If you’ve maxed out, you’ll see a checkmark instead of new points.
Step 2: Make Sure You’re Signed In
It sounds simple, but it’s worth double-checking. If you’re not logged into the right Microsoft account, your activity won’t count.
On desktop, make sure you’re signed into Bing with your Microsoft account (look in the top-right corner).
On mobile, ensure the Rewards app is using the correct account.
On Xbox, confirm your profile is connected to Rewards in Settings.
If you use multiple Microsoft accounts, be extra careful—you may be earning points on one account without realizing it.
Step 3: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes your browser’s cache or cookie settings interfere with Rewards tracking. If the system can’t properly record your searches or quiz completions, you won’t get credit.
Here’s how to fix it:
Clear your browser cache and cookies.
Restart the browser.
Sign back into your Microsoft account.
Try again to complete a search or activity.
Tip: Microsoft Edge generally works best for Rewards, but Bing searches should count from other browsers too—as long as you’re signed in.
Step 4: Update the Microsoft Rewards App
If you’re using the Rewards app on mobile or Xbox, glitches can sometimes prevent points from updating. Check the app store for any updates and install the latest version.
On Xbox:
Open My Games & Apps.
Go to Updates and make sure the Rewards app is up to date.
On mobile:
Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Search for Microsoft Rewards and update if needed.
Step 5: Try a Different Device or Browser
If points aren’t showing up in one place, try switching to another. For instance, if you normally use Chrome, test it in Edge.
Or if your Xbox isn’t updating, log in on your phone or PC to see if the points appear there.
This can help you figure out if the issue is tied to your account or just one device.
Step 6: Wait for Processing Delays
Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end at all. Microsoft Rewards can take hours—or even a day—to update your points after an activity, especially with purchases.
For shopping rewards:
Points may not appear until your order is processed and confirmed.
In some cases, you’ll need to wait until the return window closes before points are added.
If it’s just a short delay, there’s nothing wrong—you’ll just need to be patient.
Step 7: Contact Microsoft Rewards Support
If you’ve tried everything above and your points still aren’t showing up, it may be time to reach out to Microsoft support.
You can do this by:
Going to the Microsoft Rewards Support page.
Selecting Contact Us.
Providing details about what happened (e.g., missing points from searches, quizzes, or purchases).
It helps to keep screenshots or details of when the issue occurred, especially if it involves purchases.
FAQs
Why am I not getting Bing search points?
You may have already hit the daily limit, or you’re not signed into the right account. Clearing cache or switching browsers often fixes this.
How long does it take for purchase points to show up?
It depends on the type of purchase. Some points appear within 48 hours, while others (like Xbox or Microsoft Store purchases) may not show until the return window closes.
Can I lose points I’ve already earned?
No, earned points won’t disappear unless your account is flagged for policy violations. Make sure you’re not using VPNs, bots, or other methods that break the rules.
Does using a VPN affect Rewards?
Yes. Since Microsoft Rewards is region-specific, using a VPN can prevent points from being tracked or even put your account at risk.
Why is the daily set not updating?
This usually happens due to caching issues or account sign-in problems. Try clearing your browser cookies and signing back in.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Rewards is a great way to get something back for your everyday activities, but it’s definitely frustrating when points don’t show up like they should.
Most of the time, the fix is as simple as signing in again, clearing your browser, or just waiting for the system to update.
The key is not to panic—your efforts usually aren’t wasted, and points often catch up once everything syncs properly.
I’m curious: have you ever had Microsoft Rewards points go missing, and what worked for you to fix it?
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