That Microsoft account doesn't exist

Question

I am trying to add my Outlook account to my iPhone calendar via Settings/Mail/Accounts and when I try to do so, I get the message "That Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one."

I read a similar post asking the same question, but the feedback was that this account had been deleted or was hacked. This does not seem like it can be my problem since I am actively using this account every day within the web and mobile app just fine and it also works in the browser. I have no idea how to check if my account has been hacked, but I have been having this problem basically since I created this email account six months ago.

Please help! I am just trying to add my outlook calendar to my iPhone calendar so I can see everything in one place.

Super helpful to know how I am being hacked if that is the case...

Answer 1

Hello Nicole S

Hi, I'm Karl and will be happy to help you today.

First, just so there is no misunderstanding, this is a public user-to-user support forum. We're users helping other users. We do not work for Microsoft and have no access to any user account so there is nothing we can do or check from within the forum. We have no input on Microsoft's policies, procedures, or design decisions.

There are several things applicable to your description

#1 - Once you encounter the error that the email address "does not exist", it means that it has been permanently deleted. Once that occurs, it is not possible for that email address to be recovered by anyone after any amount of time. There are no exceptions to that Microsoft policy.

I have a detailed article on this error that describes how an email address can get deleted

Basics: Account “does not exist” error https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/account-does-not-exist-error/21f1fe08-cf99-425a-92c2-d440c38feb53?tm=1678759942738

#2 - Still accessing the account via browser etc

What happens if you use a private browser session and try to log into this account using the email address via the following link that is otherwise coming up as "does not exist"?

https://outlook.live.com/owa/

Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/browse-inprivate-in-microsoft-edge-cd2c9a48-0bc4-b98e-5e46-ac40c84e27e2

Browse in private (Google Chrome) https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

The fact that you are still accessing the account would be possible if you have not logged out of the account since the email address was removed unless you are using a different alias email address to log in.

If you can still access this account normally, you can check the activity on your account using the following link which will require you to log into the account whether or not you are already logged into the account

https://account.live.com/Activity

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, we're here to help you further if needed.

Required Forum Disclaimer: The above link (google.com) is a non-Microsoft website. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.