Hotmail sign in issues

Question

I have 3 forms of signing into my personal email. Text cell phone which i get an error message for now, password which it says to many attempts at logging in (i attempt once at work) then send a code to another email. I check my email from my phone through the outlook app, but as soon as i try to login on a computer, I have the above issues.

And cant seem to get any kind of response from Microsoft.

Answer 1

Hello. From what you described, your account is probably rate-limited due to multiple sign-in attempts with the wrong password or incorrect two-factor codes. Even if you reset your password, Microsoft may temporarily lock logins to protect against brute-force or suspicious activity.

Do not attempt to log in again for at least 24 hours. Each failed retry restarts the cooldown timer.

In the meantime:

• Don’t change your password again.
• Don’t keep trying on other apps (Outlook, Xbox, OneDrive, etc.).
• Don’t trigger SMS or Authenticator codes.

The lock usually lifts automatically after a clean 24-hour window with zero attempts.

Answer 2

Because sign-in works on the Outlook app but not on computers, the account itself is still valid, but Microsoft’s protection systems are likely blocking some sign-in methods due to unusual activity or too many attempts.

Use these steps in order:

1. Stop repeated attempts for a while

• Too many password or code attempts can trigger a temporary block.
• Do not keep retrying on the same device or method; this can extend the lockout.
• Wait at least 24 hours before more attempts, and up to a week if the problem persists, as recommended for blocks.

2. Try a different verification method

• When prompted to verify, choose the alternate email option instead of SMS if SMS is failing.
• If one method (like text to cell phone) is giving errors, Microsoft recommends switching to another verification method already on the account (for example, alternate email) to receive the code.

3. Try a different network or device for the browser sign-in

• Sign in from a different network (for example, home vs. work, or switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile hotspot) when using a computer browser.
• Go to the standard sign-in page for Outlook.com (Hotmail is now Outlook.com) and sign in with the same Microsoft account username and password used on the phone.

4. Use the official sign-in troubleshooter

• For Outlook.com/Hotmail accounts, use the sign-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix sign-in problems: use the “Start troubleshooter” link from the Hotmail sign-in help article.
• For general Microsoft account sign-in issues (including blocks and verification problems), use the sign-in helper: it will check the account and show specific steps based on what it finds.

5. If you see messages about blocks or “try another verification method”

• Blocks can be caused by:
  • Unusual activity or sign-in patterns.
  • High volume of verification requests.
  • Suspicious traffic from your location.
• To resolve:
  • Use another verification method already on the account (for example, alternate email instead of SMS).
  • Switch to another network and try again.
  • Avoid repeated attempts; wait 24 hours or longer before trying again.
  • Use the sign-in helper link provided in the block guidance to see available recovery options.

6. If still stuck and no method works

• Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper or Outlook.com sign-in troubleshooter from a computer browser and follow all prompts.
• If the tools do not detect a problem or you still cannot sign in on a computer after waiting and trying alternate methods, use the support options offered at the end of those tools (such as guided self-help or escalation paths) as available in your region.

Once access on a computer is restored, review the account’s security info and consider enabling or updating passwordless methods (such as Microsoft Authenticator) to reduce reliance on SMS codes, which can be less reliable.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• How to sign in to Hotmail