cannot login to my e-mail

Question

When I attempt to login to my e-mail first thing in the morning, I get a message that there have been too many login attempts.

When I use the link to recover my login, I have multiple issues even when I use the recovery code and change my password, etc..

I would appreciate it if someone can help me get my e-mail straightened out.

This is very frustrating.

Also, since I cannot login to my e-mail, how will someone contact me to work through the issue?

Perhaps a text to my cell will work.

Thank you,

[Mod removed PII]

aka---[Mod removed PII]@hotmail.com

cell# [Mod removed PII]

P.S. What the heck is a tag??? or maybe "Tag, you're it" :-)

Answer 1

Hi Ernie Sachse,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

From your description, the message about “too many sign-in attempts” typically points to a temporary security restriction on the account, which can also prevent password resets or recovery codes from working right away. I can see there is already a Q&A Assist reply, and the general direction in that reply is correct. Before I add a couple of extra details, did you get a chance to try the Q&A Assist steps?

To add a bit more information, here are the relevant official resources and the next steps that you can try:

1, Start with the Microsoft account Sign-in Helper

This tool checks the account status and guides you to the available recovery/unlock options based on what the system detects. You can start here: Microsoft account sign-in helper

If you prefer the broader sign-in article that also routes you back into Sign-in Helper, use: I can’t sign in to my Microsoft account

2, If the screen specifically says the account is locked/blocked

Use the steps in: Microsoft account has been locked

That page covers the standard unlock flow (requesting a security code during sign-in) and what to do when the account is flagged.

3, If you are not receiving verification codes (or “try another method” appears)

Follow the troubleshooting checklist here: Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues

If you need background on managing sign-in/security info methods (the verification options tied to the account), see: Microsoft account security info & verification codes

4, If Sign-in Helper cannot restore access and you are pushed to the recovery form

This guide explains what information helps when filling it out: Help with the Microsoft account recovery form

Important: The account recovery form can only be used if two-step verification isn't turned on.

The form requires you to provide as much information as possible to prove that you own the account. Please be patient, as the review process can take some time.

5, If you want someone to contact you/walk through it live

For personal Outlook.com/Hotmail accounts, the supported path is to use the Contact page and follow below steps to reach a live chat agent:

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 but provide all the relevant details.      

Please note that forum contributors cannot access accounts, remove restrictions, or verify identity on your behalf, so live support is the right channel when self-service tools cannot complete the unlock.

I hope this helps clarify the best path to regain access.

Answer 2

The account is likely being temporarily blocked due to too many failed or repeated sign-in and recovery attempts, or other unusual activity. Microsoft automatically locks accounts in these situations to protect against fraud or abuse.

To get back into the Outlook.com/Hotmail account, follow these steps:

1. Wait out the lockout period
   • Stop trying to sign in or reset the password for at least 24 hours.
   • Repeated attempts can restart the cooldown and keep the account locked.
   • After 24 hours, it is advisable to extend the waiting period slightly before trying again.
2. Try another sign-in or verification method
   • On the password or verification page, look for an option such as “Use another way to sign in” or similar.
   • If another method (alternate email, phone, Microsoft Authenticator) is available, use that to sign in and then update security info and password.
3. Use the Sign-in Helper / Account unblock flow
   • If the account is blocked because of unusual activity, use the official unblock/sign-in helper flow:
     • Go to Unblock my Outlook.com account and select Sign-in Helper: Sign-in Helper.
     • Follow the prompts to verify identity (code to phone or alternate email, or other configured method) and unblock the account.
4. If verification codes or methods are blocked or rate-limited
   • If messages like “too many attempts” or “try another verification method” appear:
     • Wait at least 24 hours without further attempts.
     • When trying again, use a familiar device and network (same PC/phone and internet connection normally used for this account).
     • If one verification method is blocked (for example SMS), try an alternate method on the account (alternate email, authenticator app) if available.
5. If still unable to sign in after waiting
   • If the account still cannot be unblocked or signed into after waiting and using the Sign-in Helper:
     • Follow the guidance in When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account (linked from the unblock article) to go through the automated recovery and support options.
6. How support will contact
   • For security reasons, Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes, password reset links, or directly change account details.
   • Contact options (including chat or callback where available) are offered through the official support flows, not directly by email to the locked account.

If recovery options (phone, alternate email, authenticator) are no longer accessible and the automated recovery does not accept the information provided, the systems may not be able to restore access; in that case, continuing to use the official Sign-in Helper and recovery guidance after cooldown periods is the only supported path.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Why can't I log in to my Outlook account? - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to change password in my Outlook - Microsoft Q&A
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A