Neither email accounts accessible

Question

I can't reset my password because neither email will open to retrieve the code. Why? I just get the spinning death.

Answer 1

Based on the initial error, the issue appears to be affecting Outlook.com in general.

Answer 2

Thank you for that information. In this case, kindly monitor the status first to make sure, as Outlook.com is still under maintenance:

https://portal.office.com/servicestatus

Under Microsoft consumer products > Show products > click Show Details under Outlook.com

Answer 3

Hi, thank you for replying. Based on the Outlook.com Health Status, there is currently an ongoing service degradation that may cause intermittent sign-in issues, especially for iOS users. This is a known issue, and updates will be provided through the link below.

https://portal.office.com/servicestatus

Under Microsoft consumer products > Show products > click Show Details under Outlook.com

In the meantime, you may do the following steps to receive an email:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Mail.
3. Select Accounts under the Mail settings.
4. Tap on the email account for which you need to re-enter the password.
5. Tap on Account Settings or directly on the Password field (depending on your iOS version).
6. Enter the updated or correct password in the Password field.
7. Tap Done to save the changes.
8. Open the Mail app to confirm that the account is syncing properly and emails are being sent/received.

Answer 4

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

May I know what device you are using for your Outlook? Have you tried using the webmail version: https://outlook.office.com/

Note: This is a public forum. I may respond shortly, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.

Answer 5

This behavior is typically caused by a sign-in or verification issue on the Microsoft account rather than Outlook itself.

Use these steps to regain access and get the verification code without relying on the inboxes that will not open:

1. Start from the Microsoft account password reset page
   • Go to Reset password: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2273955
   • Enter the email address (username) of the account and select Next.
   • Select Forgotten your password? if prompted.
2. Choose a working verification method
   • On the Verify your identity step, choose a method that does not require opening the affected inbox (for example, SMS to a phone number or another alias that still works).
   • If no usable option appears, or the options are wrong/unrecognized, use the sign-in helper tool as instructed in the article:
     • If you don't see an option for where to send a code, or you no longer have access to any of the verification options shown, use this sign-in helper tool.
     • If you don't recognize any of the verification email or phone options, use this sign-in helper tool.
3. Complete the reset and sign in again
   • After receiving the code, enter it, then set a new password.
   • Sign in again at Outlook.com with the new password.
4. If the email pages still only show a spinning loader
   • Try an InPrivate/Incognito window or a different browser.
   • Clear browser cache and cookies, then try again.
   • Try another device or network (for example, mobile data instead of home Wi‑Fi).
5. If the username or password is not recognized
   • If the username or password has stopped working, follow the steps in My username and password have stopped working:
     • Use Recover your account at https://account.live.com/password/reset, enter the email/phone/Skype name, choose where to get a security code, then set a new password.
   • If you still see “We couldn't find an account with that username,” use the Sign-in Helper tool linked from the recovery articles.
6. If verification codes are not arriving
   • Follow the guidance in Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues.
   • If still not receiving codes, choose another method or wait until access to the listed phone/email is possible. Support agents cannot send codes or change account details.
7. If nothing works
   • Fill out the Microsoft account recovery form to prove ownership: https://account.live.com/acsr (as recommended in the Q&A answers) and provide as much accurate information as possible.
   • If still locked out, contact Microsoft Support using any other Microsoft account (or a newly created one) and choose the Microsoft account/sign-in support path.

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References:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• My username and password have stopped working
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A