"Let's prove you're human" error

Question

Attempting to login to my gmail account and I get error that my "Microsoft account" is locked.

Tried to log into the account (MS) and I get "Let's prove you're human". When prompted to "press and hold", I am stuck in a loop. I get the check mark each time but it tells me to try agian.

Help?

Answer 1

This usually means the sign-in was blocked for unusual activity, and repeated verification attempts can keep the block in place.

Try these steps in order:

1. Switch networks If the "press and hold" test is looping, try signing in on a different network. For example, turn off Wi‑Fi and use mobile data, or try a different Wi‑Fi network. A moderator-recommended fix for this exact "prove you're human" issue was switching from Wi‑Fi to mobile data.
2. Stop repeated attempts Repeated sign-in or verification attempts can trigger or extend a temporary block. Wait at least 24 hours before trying again. If it still does not clear, wait longer — up to 1 week.
3. Try another verification method if one is offered If Microsoft offers another method, use it. A block can be tied to one verification method only.
4. If the account is locked and there is no Next option That indicates the account was locked due to suspicious activity or a Terms of Use violation. In that case, use the aka.ms/ link shown in the sign-in window and complete the reinstatement form. After submission, a Microsoft Online Safety support agent reviews it and responds by email. Do not submit multiple requests, because that can slow the response.
5. If a security code is requested Any phone that can receive texts can be used; it does not need to be associated with the account. The code expires after 10 minutes.
6. If sign-in is being blocked because of a new location or device Try signing in from a usual location or a trusted device if available.

If the loop continues, the most useful next actions are: change network, wait without retrying repeatedly, then use the account lock/reinstatement path shown on the sign-in screen.

---

References:

• Microsoft account has been locked
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account
• "let's prove your human" hold the button test not working - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 2

Hi, Ronald Lawson

A Gmail address can also be registered as a Microsoft account, so the lock message concerns the Microsoft account linked to that address, not the Gmail mailbox itself. The repeating check mark usually means the verification completed visually, but the browser did not successfully return the result.

Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:

Clear only the Microsoft sign-in site data and cookies. In the browser settings, remove stored data for microsoft.com, live.com, login.live.com, and account.microsoft.com, then close and reopen the browser.

Temporarily disable ad blockers, antivirus browser add-ons, script blockers, and strict tracking protection. Also allow third-party cookies for the sign-in attempt, because blocked verification scripts can cause the press-and-hold test to restart. It is recommended that you use a normal browser window rather than Private or Incognito mode for this attempt.

Try an updated browser with no extensions enabled. If Edge loops, try Chrome or Firefox, or vice versa. This has resolved cases where the verification control worked incorrectly in one browser.

Run the Microsoft account sign-in helper. Enter the Gmail address used for the Microsoft account, and it will check the account and provide the appropriate recovery path.

Please be advised that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, are not allowed to directly interfere with Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited solely to providing technical guidance on reported incidents, requests, or ideas.   

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment."    

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.