A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Only Microsoft’s official self-service recovery and security systems can unlock a locked consumer Microsoft account; no one on forums or in the community can bypass them or change security info on the account.
Given the situation (lost phone number, can’t remember DOB, account locked after suspicious activity, recovery form repeatedly failing), the only supported paths are:
- Use the Microsoft account recovery form (ACSR) as completely as possible
- Go to the Microsoft account recovery form at
account.live.com/acsr. - Enter the locked Microsoft email and an alternate email where Microsoft can contact.
- Fill in as many accurate details as possible, such as:
- Old passwords used on the account.
- Names and email addresses of contacts emailed frequently.
- Subject lines of recent emails.
- Approximate dates of account creation or major changes.
- Submit the form from a device and location that were regularly used with this account; this improves the automated checks.
- If the form is declined, it can be retried (with improved details) up to a limited number of times per day.
If the automated system cannot verify ownership from the information provided, access cannot be restored, even if purchase details or the full old phone number are known.
- If the account is locked with no “Next” option when signing in
- If the sign-in page shows no Next button and indicates the account is locked, select the link in the window that begins with aka.ms/ and follow the instructions to submit the reinstatement form.
- After submission, a Microsoft Online Safety support agent reviews the request and responds by email. Submitting multiple requests can slow down the response and does not increase the chance of success.
- When verification codes are not received or the old phone is unavailable
- Verification codes can only be sent to security info already on the account (phone/email). If the only option is the old phone number and it is no longer accessible, that security method cannot be used.
- Do not make excessive or repetitive requests for codes to any remaining methods, as this can trigger temporary blocking of code delivery due to unusual activity.
- If there is still access to any other security method (backup email, authenticator, etc.), use that instead. If not, the recovery form remains the only path.
- If blocked due to unusual activity or too many attempts
- Microsoft may temporarily block sign-in or code delivery when there is unusual or high-risk activity, or too many repeated verification attempts.
- These blocks clear automatically after a period of time. After waiting, try again with the recovery form and avoid rapid repeated attempts.
- About Minecraft and purchase proof
- Game purchases (such as Minecraft) and receipts do not override account security. Even with full purchase details, Microsoft support cannot grant access if the automated verification fails.
- If recovery ultimately fails
- If the recovery form and reinstatement process cannot verify ownership, the account cannot be unlocked or modified, and security info (like the old phone number) cannot be changed from outside the account.
- In that case, a new Microsoft account and a new game license would be required for future use.
References:
- Microsoft account has been locked
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
- Help us secure your account
- Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A
- Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A
- My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
- hello my email was (Moderator note: PII removed)@icloud.com and now its (Moderator note: PII removed)@jerkoffmail.com can please someone help me and the team change it my username in xbox is (Moderator note: PII removed) please help me team and change it - Microsoft Q&A