Fix outlook email

Question

Not able to access my outlook email. I have tried everything with no success in don't have any access to the question on recovery form. My password appears to be blocked somehow can't even trying a new password.

Answer 1

Hi,

What is the exact error message you receive when trying to log in to your Outlook account?

Do you have any recovery methods set up, such as an alternate email address or phone number? Have you tried resetting your password?

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order, and stop after one works:

1. Check if the account is blocked or locked

• If this is an Outlook.com/Hotmail account and sign-in fails, the account may be temporarily blocked because of unusual activity.
• Use the Sign-in Helper to start unblocking and follow the prompts. This tool is also linked from the “Unblock my Outlook.com account” article.

2. Use the standard password reset path

• Go to the Microsoft account password reset page via Recover your account: Recover your account.
• Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
• Choose where to receive the security code (email or phone), select Next, then Send code.
• Enter the code, then set a New password and confirm it.
• Make sure the correct domain is used (for example, ******@outlook.com vs ******@outlook.co.uk) and that the address is spelled correctly.

3. If the username or password “stopped working”

• If the system says the account doesn’t exist or still can’t sign in after reset, follow the guidance in My username and password have stopped working and try any other alias or phone number on the account.
• If the message is “We couldn’t find an account with that username,” use another alias/phone if available, or contact support from that article.

4. If recovery options or codes are not available / recovery form issues

• If two-step verification is turned on and none of the verification methods (phone, email, authenticator) are accessible, support agents cannot bypass this or reset the password. Only the configured security methods can unlock the account.
• If two-step verification is not turned on and the usual reset path fails, use the Sign-in Helper tool or the Account recovery form: Account recovery form.
  • Complete it from a device and location previously used with this account (home/office).
  • Provide a working alternate email where Microsoft can contact about the request.

5. If you hit limits or repeated failures

• If there have been too many attempts, the account or recovery process may be temporarily locked. Wait at least 24 hours without further attempts, then try again from a familiar device and network.
• If the recovery form is declined or daily limits are reached, wait until the next day and resubmit with more accurate details.

6. If Outlook app itself is the issue (but web sign-in works)

• If sign-in works in a browser (Outlook.com) but not in the Outlook app on Android/iOS:
  • Confirm the password works on the web first.
  • In the Outlook app, remove the email account and add it again using the correct, updated password.
  • If the password was recently changed, make sure the app is using the new password.

If none of the above works and two-step verification is enabled with no accessible methods, the account cannot be recovered or unlocked outside the automated recovery and verification flows.

---

References:

• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• My username and password have stopped working
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
• Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Troubleshoot Outlook email setup
• I can't send or receive messages in Outlook