Daily problem signing in to Outlook

Question

I'm unsuccessful signing in to Outlook two out of the last three days. I had to change my password two

days ago, and again today. The system won't accept the completion of my phone number.

The only way to get back in is to change my password!

This is getting REALLY old & FRUSTRATING!

Please explain why I am having this problem and how to fix it.

                                                  Thank you

Answer 1

Thank you for the information.

If you still can't sign in to your account using your newly created password and you're unable to reset the password as you have mentioned, "The system won't accept the completion of my phone number." I'm afraid you will have to perform the workarounds I provided above to resolve an account lock issue.

However, you mentioned that your browser (Firefox) doesn't retain cookies each session. This could be the issue as to why you are constantly needed to sign in and possibly triggering the system to detect multiple sign in/unusual login pattern.

If you're able to access your account, on your Mozilla Firefox browser click the "Application Menu" at the top right corner of the page (The three lines symbol) > then click "Settings" > go to "Privacy and Security" > scroll down and uncheck the option: "Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed"

Please close the browser, then sign in and check whether the issue still occurs.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

There is a possibility that a hacker repeatedly tried to sign in to your account, which triggered the system to detect multiple failed sign-in attempts or an unusual login pattern and resulted in the account being temporarily blocked.

If the account is still blocked, please perform these steps to resolve an account block:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 48 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 1 week to perform another password reset. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password, as stated in this article: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (48 hours or 1 week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

Once you have regained access to your account, kindly secure your account by enabling the two-step verification feature and ensure that your verification methods are updated on account.microsoft.com > Security > Manage how I sign in

Lastly, I recommend following the guide from this thread to prevent unauthorized logins: https://learn.microsoft.com/answers/questions/4049625/someone-is-repeatedly-trying-to-access-or-hack-my?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers

Thank you for your understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 3

The pattern described—frequent password changes, repeated sign-in failures, and the phone number step not being accepted—matches Outlook.com/Microsoft account security protections being triggered repeatedly.

What is likely happening:

1. Unusual or repeated sign-in activity
   • Multiple failed sign-in attempts, frequent password changes, or sign-ins from different locations/devices can be flagged as suspicious.
   • When this happens, the account can be temporarily blocked or forced through extra verification (phone, email, or other security info), which can fail if the phone number step is not completed correctly.
2. Phone/security info verification issues
   • When the system asks to complete the phone number, it is validating security info. If the number is entered in a format it does not accept, or if the stored security info is outdated or incorrect, the verification fails.
   • If verification fails and no other method works, the system may only allow access again after a password reset, which explains why changing the password keeps becoming the “only way” back in.

How to fix and stabilize sign-in:

1. Check if the account is blocked and unblock it
   • Outlook.com accounts can be temporarily blocked when unusual sign-in activity is detected.
   • Follow the steps in Unblock my Outlook.com account from the Outlook.com/Hotmail sign-in help. This process confirms identity and removes the block so normal sign-in works again.
2. Review and correct security info (phone and email)
   • When access is available, go to the Microsoft account security settings and review the phone numbers and email addresses listed as security info.
   • Ensure:
     • The phone number is correct and complete.
     • The number is entered in the correct country/region format when prompted.
   • If the current phone or email is wrong or no longer accessible, update it. If the sign-in flow offers I don't have any of these, select it and follow the prompts to add or update security info.
3. Avoid repeated rapid attempts when locked out
   • If sign-in fails multiple times and a message indicates too many attempts or possible blocking, stop trying for at least 24 hours.
   • Repeated attempts during a block window can extend or retrigger the protection.
4. Use Microsoft’s sign-in helper tools
   • For a personal Microsoft/Outlook.com account, use the sign-in helper and recovery tools referenced in the Outlook.com sign-in and Outlook mobile sign-in articles. These tools:
     • Check the account status.
     • Identify common sign-in problems.
     • Guide through fixing issues with passwords, verification codes, and blocked accounts.

Once the account is fully unblocked and the phone number/security info is correct and consistently accepted, sign-in should stop forcing frequent password changes, and daily access to Outlook.com should be stable.

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References:

• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Can't sign in to the Outlook mobile app
• Troubleshoot Outlook email setup