Unable to log-in to a Hotmail email account.

The Tiff 0 Reputation points
2026-06-09T11:23:47.9466667+00:00

If I use a code to log-in, then a message states 'There is a temporary problem with this service. Please try again. If you continue to get this method, try later.' Trying the alternate phone text method, the message states, 'This verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method.'

I have had my account blocked for 30 days. At the end of the thirty days, I still couldn't access the account. I am also only allowed two attempts at logging on and no more/day.

I have also tried all of the Microsoft help pages and none of them have helped and I have filled in the Account recovery page twice, but have never had a reply.

I have tried using a different computer with a different IP address and a different browser. To the best of my knowledge I am not using a VPN.

I use this particular email address for business and it has a lot of files that hold vital information. I have also had the address for at least 20 years and have never had any problems before. I am at my wits end now.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-06-09T11:24:41.3+00:00

    The behavior described matches a Microsoft account that has been blocked/locked due to unusual or suspicious activity, combined with temporary service/verification issues. The available options are limited and highly automated.

    Follow these steps in order:

    1. Use the Sign-in helper to check account status
      • Go to the Sign-in Helper for Outlook/Microsoft accounts: Sign-in Helper.
      • Follow the prompts to identify whether the account is blocked and what recovery options are currently available.
    2. Unblock the Outlook.com account (if offered)
      • If the sign-in helper or Outlook.com shows that the account is blocked, use the unblock flow described in "Unblock my Outlook.com account":
        • Start from Sign-in Helper as indicated in the article.
        • Complete any security code or password change steps it offers.
      • If the unblock flow fails, use the link in that article to go to "When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account" and follow the guidance there.
    3. Respect lockout limits and waiting periods
      • The system is enforcing strict limits (only a small number of attempts per day). Repeated attempts can extend or reset blocks.
      • When messages such as “There is a temporary problem with this service. Please try again… later” or “This verification method isn’t working right now” appear, stop trying repeatedly and wait:
        • Wait at least 24 hours without any sign-in attempts before trying again.
        • If still blocked, extend the waiting period up to a week, as recommended in the verification-code troubleshooting guidance.
    4. Try different verification methods and networks
      • If one verification method (e.g., SMS to a phone) fails with “This verification method isn’t working right now,” switch to another method on the account if available (alternate email, different phone, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.).
      • Try signing in from a different network (switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or use another trusted network) as recommended:
        • This can help if the block is associated with a particular IP range or there is heavy compromised traffic from the current region.
    5. Use the Microsoft account Security basics page when possible
      • If sign-in succeeds even once (for example via an alternate method), immediately:
        • Go to the Security basics page: Sign in.
        • Select Update info and verify or replace security info (phone numbers, alternate emails) so that working methods are available.
        • Remove obsolete or defunct security info and add a current mobile number and/or email that can receive codes.
    6. If verification codes are not arriving or methods fail
      • Follow the guidance in the verification-code troubleshooting article:
        • Avoid excessive or repetitive code requests; this can cause or prolong blocks.
        • Check junk/spam folders for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
        • Ensure the phone number is a mobile number (not VOIP) and that SMS from unknown senders is not blocked.
        • If using an alternate Microsoft email as the verification address, use private/incognito windows so both accounts can stay signed in while retrieving codes.
    7. When all verification methods are inaccessible
      • On the “Verify your identity” screen, choose I don't have any of these (if shown) and follow the prompts to replace security information.
      • Be aware that replacing all security info can put the account into a restricted state for up to 30 days. During that period, access may remain limited until the restriction expires.
    8. Use the account recovery and reinstatement paths
      • If the account remains blocked after the 30‑day period and normal sign-in/unblock flows fail:
        • Use the account recovery form again, ensuring as much accurate detail as possible (past passwords, recent email subjects, contacts, folder names, etc.).
        • For Outlook.com accounts specifically, also submit a Request for Account Reinstatement as suggested in the Outlook.com unblock guidance.
    9. Contact Microsoft Support for technical issues with the recovery flow
      • If error messages such as “There’s a temporary problem with this service” persist even after waiting and trying different networks/methods, use the official support channel:
      • Support agents cannot override security checks, send verification codes, or change account details, but they can:
        • Confirm whether there is a known service issue.
        • Provide guidance if the sign-in helper or recovery tools are failing technically.
    10. Plan for business continuity
    • Because consumer Outlook.com/Hotmail accounts rely on automated security and recovery, there is no guaranteed manual override.
    • For critical business data, once access is restored, consider:
      • Backing up vital files from OneDrive and email content.
      • Adding multiple, up-to-date security methods (mobile number, alternate email, Microsoft Authenticator).

    References:

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

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.