Microsoft startups won't register my Hawai'i number

The verification issue is related to phone validation, not specifically to Microsoft for Startups.

From the available guidance on Microsoft and Azure phone verification:

1. Phone verification uses standard SMS/voice validation and can block or fail numbers based on:
   • Unusual or high-volume activity.
   • Phone numbers or regions with a “bad reputation” or heavy compromised traffic.
   • Use of unsupported numbers such as VoIP.
2. If a number or region is flagged, verification can fail repeatedly and the number may be temporarily or, in some cases, longer-term blocked from receiving verification codes.
3. For Azure and Microsoft sign-up/verification flows in general:
   • Ensure the number is entered with the correct country code and format.
   • Avoid VoIP numbers; use a standard mobile number capable of receiving SMS from US-based numbers.
   • If SMS fails and the flow offers it, use a “Call me” option instead.
   • Try a different browser or device to rule out client-side issues.
   • If possible, try a different mobile number that can receive SMS.
4. When a phone number has been blocked or is repeatedly failing verification, resolution typically requires Microsoft support intervention. For account and verification issues, use the official support channels and sign-in helper tools to identify and resolve the problem. If a support ticket fails to create, use an account that is a member of the relevant Azure AD tenant when contacting Azure Support.

Given this behavior, the automatic mapping of the 808 area code to “U.S. Outlying Islands” is likely a UI/validation bug in the Startups portal. Workarounds based on the documented guidance are:

1. Confirm the number is a non-VoIP mobile number and can receive SMS from US-based numbers.
2. Retry with a different browser/device and ensure the country code is set correctly before entering the number.
3. If available, try an alternate mobile number that meets the requirements.
4. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft/Azure Support via the documented support entry points and provide details (including that 808 is being treated as U.S. Outlying Islands and that verification fails). Support can investigate region/number blocking or misclassification and, where applicable, reset MFA/phone validation flags on the backend.

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Unable to creat bot. Error:We’re unable to validate your phone number - Microsoft Q&A
• Azure has blocked myphone number for SMS verification due to a “bad reputation” flag - Microsoft Q&A
• I need a phone number for Microsoft support - Microsoft Q&A