My hotmail account was locked when I was overseas, how can I chat to someone about fixing this? I can't get in using my password or recovery form.

Question

My hotmail account was locked when I went overseas and I can't get back into it. I have tried my password and recovery forms but still can't gain access. Is there any way I can contact support or anyone that can help me with this? I seem to be going around in circles

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Answer 1

To regain access to your locked Hotmail account, you can contact Microsoft Support for assistance. Since you are unable to access your account using your password or recovery form, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Support page: Contact Support.
2. Choose the option for "Microsoft account & billing" and then select "Password reset or account recovery."
3. Depending on your region, you may have options for chat support or a callback.

If you have tried the recovery options and they did not work, you may need to fill out the account recovery form with as much accurate information as possible. This includes details like recent email subjects and contacts you've emailed.

Please note that if two-step verification is enabled, you will need access to at least one of your security methods to proceed with the recovery.

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References:

• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 2

Hello Kirsten Paterson,

Thank you for reaching out in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

I understand how stressful it is to have your Hotmail account locked while traveling, especially when the standard recovery forms haven't been successful. 

I see that Q&A Assist has already provided a response. While the advice to use the recovery form is the standard first step, I would like to add more detail and provide an alternative path to help you resolve this. 

Please note that as a forum agent, I do not have access to Microsoft account databases or the internal tools required to unlock accounts or reset passwords directly. To resolve this, you will need to interact with the automated security systems or a support agent with the proper authorization. 

Since the automated forms are not working for you, I recommend the following steps: 

1. Fill out the Account Reinstatement Form  

If your account was locked for security reasons (often triggered by signing in from a new location overseas), you can submit a formal review request here: https://www.microsoft.com/digitalsafety/account-reinstatement.

This form is reviewed by a Microsoft safety agent rather than an automated system. 

2. Contact Microsoft Live Chat Support 

For personal users, contacting support via live chat is the most effective way to get real-time guidance on account issues. Please follow these specific instructions: 

1. Visit the Microsoft Support contact page: Contact - Microsoft Support 
2. In the search bar provided on the page, type "Account Recovery" and press Enter. 
3. Click on the "Get Help" button that appears. 
4. Scroll down the page until you see and click on the "Contact Support" option. 
5. When prompted to select your product or service, choose "Other Products". 
6. For the category, choose "Manage Account Security". 
7. Look for and click on "Chat with a support agent in your web browser". 
8. When prompted, provide a valid contact email where Microsoft can reach you regarding your case. 
9. Explain your situation clearly: Be concise, mention you are currently overseas, and note that you have already tried the recovery form without success. 

I hope this helps you regain access to your account quickly. 

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