Email password help

Question

Hi everyone can someone help me…I have been trying to recover my password no joy.ihave followed steps on line no joy so far could someone assist or advise.what is unusual about my situation it asks for my phone number,I entered phone number correctly,it matches the phone number on screen hint but return error “unavailable at this time “I don’t know what to do..I am finding it very hard to contact support as I need to be signed in.

thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

The error message you received from the recovery phone number indicates that your account is blocked due to the system detecting unusual activity. Your verification method will not work until the account block expires.

Kindly perform these steps to fix the error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 24 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 48 hours to perform another password reset.
4. In case the 48 hours don't work, you may need to wait a longer period, exactly a week. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password, as stated in this article particularly under the "How to fix "Try another verification method" error message" part: 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
5. Lastly, if the error remains after a week of waiting, try to submit an account reinstatement form in order to check your account status and if it can be reinstated: https://www.microsoft.com/concern/AccountReinstatement?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0 You may receive the results via email within 48 - 72 hours.

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (24 hours, 48 hours, and a week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

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

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Use the standard Microsoft account recovery and then the account recovery form if the phone option keeps failing.

1. Start with the Sign‑in Helper
   • Go to the Sign-in Helper tool: Sign-in Helper.
   • Enter the email address or mobile number used for the Outlook/Hotmail account.
   • Follow the prompts; if there’s a known issue with the account, the tool will guide through the correct recovery path.
2. Try password reset with another verification option
   • Use the normal reset flow: Recover your account.
   • Enter the Outlook/Hotmail address and choose I forgot my password.
   • When asked where to send a code, if the phone option returns “unavailable at this time”, choose any other option shown (alternate email, other phone, etc.).
   • If none of the listed options work or are accessible, select I don’t have any of these (if shown) to move to the recovery form.
3. Use the Microsoft account recovery form
   • Before filling it out, sign in to a different working email account (or create a temporary Outlook.com address) that can receive messages about the recovery request, as described in Help with the Microsoft account recovery form.
   • Then open the Account recovery form.
   • Complete it from a device and location commonly used with this account (home Wi‑Fi, usual PC/phone).
   • Provide as much accurate information as possible (old passwords, contacts, subject lines, etc.). Microsoft will review and respond to that working email, usually within 24 hours.
4. If the account or username is not recognized
   • If any step shows messages like “We couldn’t find an account with that username” or “The Microsoft account you’ve entered does not exist”, follow the guidance in My username and password have stopped working and use the Sign-in Helper again.
5. If still locked or rate‑limited
   • If there have been many attempts, the system may temporarily block more codes or form submissions. In that case, wait the full lockout period (often about 24 hours) without trying again, then retry the recovery form from a familiar device and network.

Direct phone/chat support cannot bypass these automated recovery steps for personal Outlook/Hotmail accounts; all recovery is handled through the tools and forms above.

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References:

• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• My username and password have stopped working
• Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
• Can't sign in to the Outlook mobile app
• Microsoft account has been locked
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A
• Locked out of my Outlook account and recovery options not working - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I send an email to Microsoft about my account being hacked and taken over by <removed> ? - Microsoft Q&A
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account