Can't access my account despite trying all saved passwords and proving ownership

Question

Hello,

I am trying to recover an old Outlook account that is extremely important because it is connected to my Instagram business account.

Here is my situation:

• I know the email address.
• I know the password I used before (or several previous passwords).
• I used this account for instagram , university and online shopping.
• I still have my old iPhone where this Outlook account is added in the Apple Mail app, but it no longer syncs because Microsoft requires me to sign in again.
• I no longer have access to the recovery email address.
• The phone verification option is unavailable, so I cannot receive a verification code.
• I have already submitted the Microsoft account recovery form multiple times with the information I remember (old passwords, email subjects, contacts, etc.), but my request was rejected each time.

Since I still know the account details and have evidence that this is my account, is there any other official way to verify ownership?

Is there any possibility of verification using my old trusted device, my identity, or by contacting a Microsoft support specialist?

I would really appreciate any advice because losing access to this Outlook account also prevents me from receiving important emails regarding my Instagram account, which is currently under review.

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Thank you for the information.

Based on the error you received when using your recovery phone number, this may indicate that your account has been blocked because the system detected unusual activity, possibly due to multiple failed sign-in attempts.

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 "I see a Try another verification method" 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.

Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Just to confirm, did you have two-factor authentication (2FA) active on the account?

Important: If you have an active 2FA, ACSR will inform you that your recovery request will be ignored. If you only receive a message that the recovery request is either successful or indicates insufficient information, this means that 2FA is disabled.

To clarify, may I know when was the last time you successfully signed in to your account?

Best regards,

Darhyl