Hotmail account block but my iphone mail still can access

Question

Hi all,

I’ve always accessed my Hotmail account through the Mail app on my iPhone for many years. I recently switched to a new iPhone, and it asked me to re‑enter my password. I’m certain the password is correct, but after a few attempts, my account got locked.

I tried using the account recovery form on the website, but my backup email no longer exists. I filled in as much information as I could, but it keeps telling me that the information isn’t sufficient, which is very frustrating.

Fortunately, my old iPhone can still access the Hotmail account, so I was able to look up recent contacts and email subject lines to fill in the form—but I still haven’t been successful. The recovery request gets rejected within a minute.

Is there any way I can unblock or recover my Hotmail account? I’ve been submitting the form for days, but it keeps getting rejected.

Answer 1

Hello Dilys

Thanks for your post. From what you described, your Hotmail account get locked after a few sign‑in attempts on a new iPhone, even though the account is still accessible on your old iPhone. I understand how frustrating it is when the recovery form keeps being rejected multiple times.

I can see that Q&A Assist has already shared the standard recovery and unblock steps. Have you already tried those steps yet? Just to clarify, are you accessing the account on your iPhone using the Apple Mail app, or the Outlook mobile app?

In the meantime, here's what you can try next:

1, Use the trusted device (your old iPhone that still has access) to review and update security information if possible:

• Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security > Manage how I sign in
• Add a new way to sign in or verify that you can access now
• Official guide: Microsoft account security info & verification codes - Microsoft Support

2, Fill out the Microsoft Account Recovery form (ACSR) one more time with maximum details

• Wait at least 24–48 hours before submitting the recovery form again.
• If the recovery form is being rejected, please avoid sending the same details repeatedly, try to provide the most accurate information you can.
• Please see this official guide to help you fill out the form more accurately: Help with the Microsoft account recovery form - Microsoft Support

Looking forward to your reply so I can guide you with the correct next steps. Thank you for your understanding!

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Answer 2

Because the account is now blocked and the recovery form is being rejected, only Microsoft’s automated recovery and unblock flows can restore access. Use the following steps, starting from the device that still works.

1. Use the old iPhone (where Mail still works)
   • While the account is still accessible there, gather as much accurate data as possible:
     • Exact recent email subject lines (sent and received).
     • Email addresses of frequent contacts.
     • Folder names and any recent changes.
   • This information is critical for the recovery form and should match exactly.
2. Try the Sign‑in Helper / unblock flow
   • For blocked Outlook.com/Microsoft accounts, start with the Sign‑in Helper: Sign-in Helper.
   • This is the official path to unblock an Outlook.com account that has been temporarily blocked due to unusual activity.
   • If the account can be unblocked by entering a security code or changing the password, complete that process.
   • If that fails, follow the link in the article “When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account” for additional guided steps.
3. Use the Microsoft account recovery form correctly
   • Go to the official recovery form: Account recovery form.
   • Complete it from:
     • A device previously used to sign in (ideally the old iPhone’s usual network, or a PC/Mac you regularly use).
     • A familiar location (home/office) that Microsoft will recognize.
   • Before submitting again, follow these rules from the guidance:
     • Answer as many questions as possible, as thoroughly as possible.
     • Exact subject lines are required; copy them precisely from the old iPhone.
     • Include multiple old passwords that might have been used.
     • Add as many contacts and details as allowed using the “add more” options.
   • If the backup email no longer exists, still provide it where asked, but compensate with more detail in other fields.
4. Avoid rapid, repeated attempts
   • Multiple fast submissions can trigger blocks or very quick rejections.
   • If the form is being rejected within a minute repeatedly, wait before trying again:
     • Wait at least 24 hours before the next attempt.
     • Do not submit the form many times in a row; this can worsen the block.
5. If the account is blocked due to verification issues
   • If seeing messages like “Try another verification method” or blocks tied to verification codes:
     • Try another verification method on the account (alternate email, phone, or authenticator) if any are still available.
     • Try another network (switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or use a different Wi‑Fi network).
     • If there is a temporary block, wait up to several days without repeated attempts, as recommended.
6. When recovery and unblock both fail
   • If the recovery form continues to say the information is insufficient and the unblock flow does not work, there is no manual override for consumer Outlook.com/Hotmail accounts.
   • Support agents cannot bypass the automated checks, send password reset links, or change account details when two‑step verification or security checks cannot be satisfied.
7. Parallel damage control (if compromise is suspected)
   • If there is any sign the account was compromised (unusual drafts, sent mail, or sign‑ins), use another email or channel to warn important contacts not to trust messages from the blocked account until access is restored.

In summary, the only available options are:

• Use the Sign‑in Helper to unblock the Outlook.com account.
• Carefully re‑submit the Microsoft account recovery form from a trusted device/location with maximum, exact information, spacing out attempts. If those automated processes continue to reject the request, the account cannot be recovered.

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References:

• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
• My username and password have stopped working
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues