Udemezue John
If you use Microsoft Rewards to collect points from Bing searches, quizzes, and Xbox Game Pass, you probably expect to redeem those points for gift cards or other rewards without any issues.
But sometimes, the system refuses to redeem your points — either showing an error message, freezing at checkout, or simply not processing your request.
I’ve run into this problem myself, and it’s frustrating when your hard-earned points feel stuck.
The good news?
In most cases, you can fix it on your own without waiting days for support to respond.
Let me walk you through what usually causes this problem and what you can do about it.
Why Microsoft Rewards Sometimes Won’t Redeem
Before jumping to the fixes, it helps to understand why the issue happens in the first place. The most common reasons include:
Account verification issues: Microsoft might flag your account if it hasn’t been verified with a phone number or email confirmation.
Suspicious activity detection: If Microsoft thinks you’re earning points too quickly (using VPNs, bots, or even just searching too fast), they might temporarily block redemptions.
Region restrictions: Some rewards are available only in specific countries. If your account region doesn’t match your actual location, redemption can fail.
Technical glitches: Sometimes the website or app just misbehaves. Browser issues, outdated apps, or corrupted cookies can all play a role.
Knowing which of these might apply to you makes it easier to solve the problem.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Microsoft Rewards Not Redeeming
1. Make sure your account is fully verified
First, check if Microsoft is asking for extra verification.
Go to your Microsoft account security page and confirm your phone number or email.
If you see a message about unusual activity, follow the prompts to verify your identity.
Why this works: Microsoft Rewards redemption is tied to account security. If they’re not sure it’s really you, they’ll lock things down until you verify.
2. Clear your browser cookies or try another browser
If you’re redeeming through the website, cookies or cached data can sometimes cause issues.
Clear your cookies and site data for bing.com and microsoft.com.
Try redeeming in a different browser (Edge, Chrome, or Firefox) or use an InPrivate/Incognito window.
Why this works: A fresh session removes corrupted data that can prevent pages from loading or transactions from completing.
3. Turn off VPNs or proxies
If you’re using a VPN or proxy to browse, turn it off and try again.
Microsoft can block redemptions if your IP doesn’t match your account region.
Why this works: Rewards are region-specific, and Microsoft uses your IP address to confirm your location.
4. Check for redemption limits
Microsoft Rewards has daily and lifetime limits on certain items.
If you’ve redeemed multiple gift cards recently, you might hit a limit.
Wait 24 hours and try again if you suspect this is the issue.
Why this works: The system blocks excessive redemptions to prevent fraud, even for legitimate users.
5. Try redeeming through a different device
Sometimes the problem is tied to one browser, app, or device.
If you’re on desktop, try the mobile Microsoft Rewards app.
If you’re on mobile, switch to desktop.
Why this works: Different platforms connect to the rewards servers differently, which can bypass temporary glitches.
6. Check your account region settings
Make sure your Microsoft account region matches your actual location:
Confirm your country is correct.
If it isn’t, update it — but note that changing regions may affect some services.
Why this works: If your account says you’re in one country but your IP shows another, Microsoft may block redemption.
7. Contact Microsoft Support if all else fails
If none of the steps above work, it may be a deeper issue with your account.
Go to the Microsoft Rewards support page.
Use the “Contact Us” option to open a support request.
Be ready to provide:
Your Microsoft account email
What reward you’re trying to redeem
Any error messages you’ve seen
Why this works: If your account has been flagged for suspicious activity by mistake, only support can lift the restriction.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Redemption Problems
Once you’ve fixed the issue, it’s worth taking a few precautions so it doesn’t happen again.
Earn points naturally. Don’t use automated search tools or VPNs to farm points.
Redeem small amounts regularly. Don’t let points stack up for years — it’s safer to redeem them periodically.
Keep your security info updated. Make sure your recovery phone number and email are always current.
FAQs
Why does Microsoft flag accounts for suspicious activity?
Microsoft looks for unusual earning patterns like hundreds of searches in minutes, VPN use, or redeeming from multiple locations. Even normal users can get flagged if their activity looks automated.
Can Microsoft ban my Rewards account permanently?
Yes — if they believe you’re violating the terms of service. But most redemption issues are temporary and can be resolved by verifying your account.
Do I lose my points if I can’t redeem them right now?
No. Your points stay in your account as long as it remains in good standing. They don’t expire as quickly as people fear — but inactivity for long periods may cause points to be removed.
Why do some rewards not show up for me?
Some rewards are region-locked. If you’re outside the supported region, they won’t appear or redeem.
Final Thoughts
It’s frustrating when Microsoft Rewards won’t redeem — especially when you’ve spent months collecting points.
But in most cases, the fix is simple: verify your account, check your region, clear your browser, and try again. If nothing works, Microsoft Support can usually straighten things out.
Have you ever had Microsoft Rewards redemption issues? What finally worked for you?
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