Phone Reset. All Passwords Lost.

Hello!

Thank you for posting here in Microsoft Community. I understand how frustrating it can be to lose access to your Microsoft account due to an unexpected factory reset. Let’s work through the steps to regain access:

1. Remove the Email Account from Your iPhone:
   • Open your iPhone’s Settings.
   • Tap on Passwords & Accounts (or Mail if you’re using an earlier iOS version).
   • Select the email account associated with your Microsoft account.
   • Tap Delete Account at the bottom of the screen and confirm the deletion.
2. Add Your Microsoft Email Account Back:
   • Go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts.
   • Tap Add Account.
   • Choose your email provider (in this case, Microsoft).
   • Enter your email address and password.
   • Wait for Mail to verify your account.
   • Select the information you want to sync (such as Contacts or Calendars) and tap Save.
3. Visit the Microsoft Account Password Reset Page:
   • Go to the Microsoft Account Password Reset page.
   • If you’re still logged in on your device, click Forgot password? If not, select Reset password below the login prompt.
   • Enter the username for the account you’re trying to reset and click Next.
4. Verify Your Identity:
   • For security reasons, Microsoft will verify your identity before proceeding with the password reset.
   • Choose how you want to receive a verification code (via email or phone).
   • If you don’t recognize any of the verification options shown, use the sign-in helper tool for further assistance.
   • Click Next.
5. Get a Verification Code:
   • Confirm the verification details you selected (such as the first part of your email address or the last four digits of your phone number).
   • Microsoft will send a verification code to the email or phone number you specified.
   • Retrieve the code from your recovery email or phone.
6. Enter the Code and Reset Your Password:
   • Paste or type the verification code you received.
   • Create a new password (make sure it’s strong) and click Next.

If you encounter any issues during this process, consider filling out the Microsoft Account recovery form to regain access to your account^2^. Additionally, if you had set up two-factor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might need to restore from a backup (if available) and sign in with your recovery account to restore your authenticator settings^3^^4^.

Remember to keep your device secure and consider setting up additional security measures to prevent accidental factory resets in the future. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support for personalized guidance.

Regards,

Roderick

Microsoft Moderator