Account Recovery Blocked

If the account is blocked for activity that Microsoft considers a Terms of Use issue, the normal password recovery flow may not be enough.

Try these steps in order:

1. Go to the Microsoft account sign-in page at https://account.microsoft.com and try to unlock the account by requesting a security code.
   • Any phone number that can receive text messages can be used.
   • It does not need to be linked to the account.
   • The code expires after 10 minutes.
2. If the sign-in flow does not show Next, or the account is specifically blocked for suspicious activity or Terms of Use reasons, use the aka.ms/ link shown in the lock message and submit the account reinstatement request.
   • After submission, a Microsoft Online Safety support agent reviews it and contacts through email.
   • Do not submit repeated requests, because that can slow the response.
3. If the block appears during verification with Try another verification method:
   • Try another verification method already connected to the account.
   • Try a different network, such as switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
   • Stop repeated attempts and wait at least 24 hours. If it is still blocked, wait longer, up to 1 week, because repeated attempts can extend the lock.
4. If access is restored, immediately review the recent activity page and change the password and security settings if anything looks unfamiliar.
5. If the account is Outlook.com and it still cannot be unblocked, use the Sign-in Helper:
   • https://aka.ms/sign-in-helper

If the account was recently verified by text message or there was a large amount of file sharing, some temporary blocks can clear automatically within 24 hours.

• Microsoft account has been locked
• Microsoft account has been locked
• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Check the recent sign-in activity for your Microsoft account