Can't sign into microsoft accounts on my iphone

Mike Kerrey 20 Reputation points
2025-11-12T15:39:02.3266667+00:00

I can't get signed into Microsoft accounts on my iphone. This includes my outlook and onenote.

I've reset my microsoft password several times.

The error I get is:

You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.

It askes me to enter characters in addition to my password.

Then it fails again.

Help!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For home | iOS

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  1. AI answer

    2025-11-12T15:39:25.7933333+00:00

    It sounds like you're experiencing issues with signing into your Microsoft accounts on your iPhone, particularly with Outlook and OneNote. The error message indicates that there have been multiple unsuccessful sign-in attempts, which could lead to your account being temporarily locked or require additional verification steps.

    Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

    1. Check Your Credentials: Ensure that you are entering the correct email address and password. Double-check for any typos or errors.
    2. Account Recovery: If you have reset your password multiple times, make sure you are using the latest password. You may want to try signing in on a different device or through a web browser to confirm that your account is accessible.
    3. Clear App Data: Sometimes, clearing the app data or reinstalling the app can help. Try deleting the Outlook and OneNote apps from your iPhone and then reinstalling them from the App Store.
    4. Two-Factor Authentication: If you have two-factor authentication enabled, ensure that you are completing that step correctly. You may need to enter a verification code sent to your mobile device or email.
    5. Self-Service Password Reset: If you continue to have issues, you can use the Self-Service Password Reset wizard to reset your password again. Make sure you follow the correct process based on whether you are using a work/school account or a personal Microsoft account.
    6. Contact Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue more effectively.

    Following these steps should help you regain access to your Microsoft accounts on your iPhone.

    References:

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

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-11-12T16:17:58.57+00:00

    Hi Mike,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. I'm here to help!

    Microsoft automatically locks accounts after multiple failed sign-in attempts to protect against unauthorized access. Even after resetting your password, the lockout can persist if you keep trying too soon or if old sessions are still attempting to sign in.

    I'd suggest waiting 24 to 48 hours without trying to sign in your account during this period. After the waiting time, clear your browser cache or app data or try signing in from a different device or network.

    If the issue persists beyond 48 hours, submit the Account Recovery Form at https://account.live.com/acsr These steps are automated for security reason, so support can’t manually unlock accounts.

    If I have misunderstood your situation, please don't hesitate to clarify, and I will adjust my recommendations accordingly.

    I hope you find this information helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer".

    Regards,
    Carlo

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  3. Mtn Girl 15 Reputation points
    2026-04-28T20:01:07.7+00:00

    I ended up using Copilot to fix my issue. It took some time to troubleshoot but worked. Here is what worked for me:

    1. Through MS account profile, security page (account.microsoft.com/security) turn off the two-factor authentication, use an alternate email to receive an authentication code
    2. Delete password from iphone
    3. Restart iphone
    4. Log into my account (https://outlook.com) through Safari,
    5. Add the account back to the mail app
    6. Reset the two-step verification process

    In my case, it might have been related to having the phone in Airplane Mode for an extended period.

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    3 people found this answer helpful.

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