I need to get back into my usual hotmail account but it takes hours and doesn't let me complete login

Craig McGarrity 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T01:18:07.84+00:00
  • I had to restart my laptop and lost the ability to do 2FA for my hotmail account as there was no phone signal.
  • Before doing that I sent a message to change one of my security settings so that I will always have access to 2FA anywhere in the world.
  • I now have access to my former 2FA arrangements but can't log into the old account as it seems to have been locked for 30 days even though the message from Microsoft was that I CAN sign in to my account using my usual 2FA .
  • This seems to be a LIE as I'm constantly trying to sign in to the account and it's not working.
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 76,570 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T04:42:07.8433333+00:00

    Hello,

    According to the Microsoft Account activity policy, if you remove all of your previous security information and replace it with something new, your account will be put into a restricted state for 30 days.

    "Before doing that I sent a message to change one of my security settings so that I will always have access to 2FA anywhere in the world." --

    It appears that you removed the phone number associated with your Microsoft account and replaced it with a new one. If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled, you cannot sign in using only your password. You also need to verify your identity using a second authentication method. In your account, the only verification method was the phone number you removed or replaced; your account will remain restricted for 30 days.

    During this 30-day period, you will be not able to sign in to websites or services that require your security information. However, you can continue to send and receive emails if you are already signed in to your Microsoft account through Outlook or other Office apps on another device.

    Note: Microsoft always recommends that account users have at least three verification methods active. So, even if one method isn't working or is disabled, you can sign in with another verification method. So, even after 30 days you get access to your account, make sure you go to the security settings page of your Microsoft account first and add three verification methods.

    Reference:

    What does “Security info change is still pending” mean?

    Let me know if you still need more help.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-13T01:18:24.2466667+00:00

    A 30-day restriction can happen after changing security info. During that period, access can be limited even if the previous sign-in methods are still known. Also, if all security info is changed at once, the account may be restricted for 30 days.

    Use this path:

    1. Start with the Sign-in Helper. It is the primary tool for Microsoft account sign-in problems.
    2. If the sign-in flow shows Try another verification method, that usually means a temporary block. In that case:
      • try a different verification method already connected to the account
      • try a different network, such as switching between Wi‑Fi and cellular or another Wi‑Fi network
      • stop repeated attempts and wait at least 24 hours; if it still does not clear, wait longer, up to 1 week
    3. If the issue is specifically that security info was changed and access is now restricted, avoid changing all security info again during the waiting period, because that can keep the restriction in place.
    4. If two-step verification is turned on and none of the alternate verification methods are accessible, support agents cannot reset the password or change account details. In that case, recovery depends on regaining access to an existing verification method.
    5. If two-step verification is not turned on, and the verification options shown are not recognized, use the Account recovery form. Complete it from a device and location previously used for that account to improve the chance of success.

    For Hotmail specifically, sign in through Outlook.com. If the account has not been signed in to for more than 2 years, it may have been deleted.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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