If you are trying to claim/redeem your Microsoft Rewards points for something and keep getting error message “Something went wrong!” when trying to redeem, it usually means that your request is being interrupted by a temporary issue involving your account, network, or browser. Don't worry too much, account issues like this are the most common, normal and annoying issues Microsoft has going. Especially if you are an Xbox Game Pass User.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to fix Microsoft Rewards “Something went wrong!” when trying to redeem points for items.
- Why can't I redeem my Microsoft Rewards Points? Error “Something went wrong!” When Trying to Redeem.
Table of Contents
How to Fix Microsoft Rewards “Something went wrong!” When Trying to Redeem
Before you start the steps below, this issue is quite common when using a VPN or proxy to access the rewards catalogue from a region different from your account’s registered location. Sometimes just having a VPN active in general is enough to cause problems, so disable it and see what happens.
Switch to Mobile Data or Another Network
If you are connected to Wi-Fi, your router’s DNS settings or cached routing data might be interfering with Microsoft’s servers. Mobile networks use separate DNS routes that can bypass these issues. Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or another network entirely) effectively creates a fresh connection without cached routing errors or restrictive firewall settings. Many users find that simply switching networks allows their redemption to process successfully. If this doesn't work, don't be too surprised, as it's a simple workaround with slim chances. The other solutions in this guide are much more likely to solve this issue.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (All Browsers)
The next cause is usually messed-up cookies and caching, so go ahead and purge that. This solution is usually the one that fixes this issue for everyone.
- Open your browser and click the menu icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Choose Clear browsing data.
- Set the Time range to All time.
- Check both Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now, then restart your browser and try redeeming again.
How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies for all mainstream browsers (Step-by-Step)
Complete SMS Verification and 2FA
Microsoft Rewards uses fraud detection systems to prevent unauthorised account activity. If the system flags unusual behaviour, it may temporarily block redemptions until the account owner verifies their identity. You can resolve this by completing SMS verification.
- Visit the Microsoft Rewards redemption page and select the item you want.
- If prompted, click Continue or Verify.
- Enter the phone number associated with your Microsoft account.
- You will receive a six-digit verification code by text message.
- Enter this code to confirm your identity.
Once verification is complete, any temporary restriction should be removed, and you can redeem your rewards normally.
Contact Microsoft Support
If none of the previous solutions work, the problem may be on Microsoft’s side or some conflict of account data (I've had this happen plenty of times). Just use the chat option available on the support page and work your way through the help system. They are pretty useless, but you will eventually get a solution out of them. Just keep pushing and don't take no for an answer.
