You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.

Question

I have 3 devices: PC with Win11, Android phone and MacBook.

I somehow got the error message "You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.". I can sign in at any device IF I reset the password on that device but that locks me out of the other devices. If I then try to sign in, again the same error.

I waited days and days and days. Nothing changed! Nothing at all! So I tried the recovery form but that told me this doesn't work because I have 2fa enabled.

Like what the hell should I do? I need my stuff, I need to do work here!!! Can you tell me how to release this stupid security lock???

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hello P. M, thanks for posting this in our community.

Every time you reset your password on one device, the other devices still hold old authentication tokens, which causes conflicts. Instead, set one strong password and keep it.

Clear cached credentials on all devices so they start fresh. On Windows 11 PC, open Settings and go to Accounts, then Access work or school. Disconnect the Microsoft account. Next, open Credential Manager by searching for it in the Start menu and remove all entries related to your Microsoft account. Restart the PC afterward.

On Android, go to Settings and open Accounts, then remove the Microsoft account. Clear the app cache for Microsoft apps like Outlook or Teams by going to Settings, Apps, selecting the app, then Storage, and choosing Clear Cache and Clear Data.

On macOS, open System Settings and go to Internet Accounts, then remove the Microsoft account. Open Keychain Access, search for your Microsoft account, and delete related entries.

Microsoft lockouts can last 24 to 48 hours after too many failed attempts. Since you’ve waited days, the lock should already be expired, but clearing tokens is key.

Sign in again using this link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2153610. Use the same password on all devices and complete two-factor authentication when prompted. If you use the Authenticator app, make sure it’s synced by opening Microsoft Authenticator, going to Settings, and checking Account sync.

Kind regards,

John Oli