Locked out of Hotmail, Can you help?

G

GoodEnuff

Senior Member
I check my hotmail (NOT Outlook) about once a week. Last time, it required all kinds of things to sign in instead of just a password.

Yesterday, I entered the email address, next screen asked for first two digits of last four of phone number, where it will send a code. Nope, it says to try another method of signing in. What other method? Tried the help screen and it just sent me in circles. Said to wait 24 hours. I waited. Same thing this morning. Says wait up to a week.

You can sign in to the help page but I can't sign in!

Anybody know what I can do now?

The only time I use it is for internet purchases. So it won't be the end of the world if I just let it die and get a new email address with another company.
 
From Chatgpt

. The "Wait and Switch" Method (Most Likely Fix)
Since you've already tried waiting 24 hours, wait 48 to 72 hours without attempting to log in at all. Multiple failed attempts lock the security system and reset the timer.


  • Switch Networks: When you try again, do not use the same Wi-Fi. Switch to mobile data on your phone or use a different internet connection (like a public hotspot or neighbor's Wi-Fi) to avoid the IP block.



2. Bypass Phone Verification (Try "Another Method")
When it asks for your phone number and fails:
  1. On the "Verify your identity" screen, look for a link that says "I don't have these" or "Use a different method".
  2. If you have an alternative email address linked to the Hotmail account, choose that option to receive the code.
  3. Alternative: Use the Microsoft Sign-in Helper at https://account.live.com/password/reset to attempt a password reset rather than just a login.




3. Clear the Slate (Browser Issues)
Sometimes browser cookies create the loop.
  • Use a completely different browser (e.g., if you use Chrome, use Edge or Firefox).
  • Use an Incognito/Private browsing window.


4. The Account Recovery Form (Last Resort)
If you cannot receive codes through phone or alternative email, you must use the Automated Account Recovery form (ACSR).

  1. Go to: Recover your account.
  2. Fill this out on a computer/device you have used before to sign in.
  3. Be as detailed as possible: Provide old passwords, subject lines of recent emails, and names of contacts you've emailed.
  4. You can submit this form up to twice daily.


⚠️ Crucial Information
  • Do not trust phone numbers: Do not call any phone number you find online for "Microsoft Support"—they are often scammers.
  • 30-Day Limit: If you choose "I don't have any of these" to add new security info, Microsoft will restrict your account for 30 days before you can sign in again, as a security measure.


Summary: For now, do not try to login for 3 days, then try again using mobile data instead of your home internet.
 
GoodEnuff said:
I check my hotmail (NOT Outlook) about once a week. Last time, it required all kinds of things to sign in instead of just a password.

Yesterday, I entered the email address, next screen asked for first two digits of last four of phone number, where it will send a code. Nope, it says to try another method of signing in. What other method? Tried the help screen and it just sent me in circles. Said to wait 24 hours. I waited. Same thing this morning. Says wait up to a week.

You can sign in to the help page but I can't sign in!

Anybody know what I can do now?

The only time I use it is for internet purchases. So it won't be the end of the world if I just let it die and get a new email address with another company.
Click to expand...
Be careful. You could have been hacked. I was watching something yesterday and they said if this happened, try to change your password, if you can't, contact your provider. Next, scan your computer for malware or virus.
Hopefully, I'm chicken little.
 
You could check down detector and see if it's down in your area. I always have a backup email in it.

*edited for detail

Mine is working fine.
 
Yesterday, was able to get in using an old iPhone on my home wifi. This morning, got in using the PC. What a PITA!

This is the second time in the past few years something like this has happened. It is the reason why I quit using internet for paying bills, etc. Companies are doing their best to force the use of internet. Two months ago, I received an email from the mortgage company saying
"thank you for signing up for paperless billing". I hadn't done that. Called the company and they said I was still signed up for paper billing. Okay. Here it is the last week of the month and I still haven't received it. I did get another email saying my bill was available online.

I will call them today. Will have to make the payment over the phone this month. I hate this! The internet provider is doing the same thing.
 
Sometimes these sites just break and go down like anything else. It's nothing to get upset over. They usually aren't down for long.

I've not had any issues with paying bills online. If a site isn't working after the 2nd login attempt I generally wait and come back the next day. My bank site wasn't working for a day once but was fine after that.

Technology in general is a PITA like many things in life
Hope you have a good day.
 
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