Accessing old email

Question

I am trying to access my old email account *[Removed PII]@*hotmail.com it still has my phone number attached to it and it even sent me a code I changed the password etc. Every time I try to log in it tells me I've tried to many times and it wont give me access. I tried one time.

Answer 1

Hi,

This means your account was temporarily blocked due to repeated sign-in attempts. This is a security measure designed to protect your account from unauthorized access.

At this point, the best thing to do is to give it some time. Please wait at least 24 hours before trying to sign in again. While waiting, it’s important not to attempt to log in, as each attempt can reset the timer and extend the block. Once the 24 hours have passed, go back to the sign-in page and check if you’re able to access your account normally.

If you’re still unable to sign in after waiting, you can try using an InPrivate or Incognito window to rule out any browser-related issues. Simply open your browser and press Ctrl + Shift + N, then go to https://account.microsoft.com and try signing in from there.

You can also try switching to a different browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, as sometimes the issue can be related to the browser itself.

Another helpful step is to switch to a different internet connection. If possible, turn on your mobile hotspot and connect your device to it, then try signing in again. This can help if your current network was flagged due to multiple attempts.

If you have other sign-in options set up, you can select “Other ways to sign in” on the login page and try using alternatives like your PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition.

If you’re still having trouble after trying these steps, feel free to let me know and I’ll be happy to assist you further.

Answer 2

Microsoft may temporarily lock a Hotmail/Outlook.com account after sign-in, password reset, or verification activity it flags as unusual, even if it appears that there was only one attempt.

Take these steps:

1. Wait out the lockout period
   • When Microsoft detects too many attempts or suspicious activity, it rate-limits sign-ins and security code use.
   • Do not keep retrying during this period, as additional attempts can extend the cooldown.
2. Use the standard account recovery/sign-in flow
   • Go to the Microsoft account sign-in page and enter the Hotmail address.
   • If the password is not accepted or the account appears blocked, follow the Recover your account / Forgot password path and complete the steps, including:
     • Choose where to receive the security code (phone or email already on the account).
     • Enter the code.
     • Set a new password if prompted.
   • Guidance for this flow is described in My username and password have stopped working.
3. If the account is blocked or locked
   • If the account is blocked due to unusual activity, follow the steps in Unblock my Outlook.com account as referenced under My account is blocked.
   • If the Microsoft account itself is locked and the sign-in page does not behave normally (for example, options missing), follow the instructions in Microsoft account has been locked, including using the aka.ms/ link shown on the lock screen to submit the reinstatement form.
4. If the system still says you’ve tried too many times
   • This message indicates rate limiting on password resets or verification attempts.
   • Wait at least a full lockout window (often about 24 hours) without trying again, then:
     • Use a familiar device and network you normally use for this account.
     • Sign in once and, if needed, use the recovery options again.

If, after waiting and retrying from a familiar device, the account still cannot be accessed and the recovery options are exhausted, the only supported path is to continue using the automated recovery/sign-in flows described in the referenced articles.

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References:

• My username and password have stopped working
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Microsoft account has been locked