Password & Account Recovery

Fix Cannot Sign In to Hotmail Even After Receiving Verification Code

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to their Hotmail account because the verification code is sent to the inaccessible email address or other login errors occur despite receiving the code.

Fix Cannot Sign In to Hotmail Even After Receiving Verification Code

Product: Hotmail
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to recover or log in to a Hotmail account but failing at the verification code step.
Observed behavior: The verification code is inaccessible because it is routed to the locked account itself, or the browser fails to process the sign-in after the code is entered.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, verify that your Caps Lock is turned off, and check your keyboard language settings before attempting the account recovery process again.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Alternate Recovery Email or Phone Number

Select a different verified contact method to receive the verification code if it defaults to your locked Hotmail address.

If you accidentally set the email address you are trying to recover as the recovery address, Microsoft will send the code to the locked inbox. You must switch to a different contact method that you have access to.

Access the Sign-in Page

Go to the Microsoft Account sign-in page and enter your Hotmail address and password.

Select an Alternative Option

When prompted for a verification code, look for and click on the 'I don't have these any more' or 'Show more verification methods' link.

Choose Another Recovery Method

Select an alternate recovery email or phone number linked to your account from the list.

Enter the New Code

Retrieve the verification code sent to the alternate contact method, enter it into the prompt, and complete the sign-in process.

Use an Alternate Recovery Email or Phone Number

Security Info Update: If you select 'I don't have these any more', Microsoft may require a 30-day waiting period to update your security information to protect your account.

Solution 2

Clear Browser Cache or Try Another Device

Resolve browser-related glitches that prevent a successful sign-in even after you enter the correct verification code.

Solution 3

Submit a Microsoft Account Recovery Form

If you have no access to any alternate recovery options, use the official recovery form to regain access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft sending the verification code to the locked account?

This usually happens if the email address you are trying to recover is mistakenly set as its own primary recovery email, or if no other recovery methods (like a phone number or secondary email) were ever added to the account.

How long does the Microsoft account recovery form take to process?

Microsoft typically reviews automated account recovery forms within 24 hours. You will receive an update regarding your access status at the alternate email address you provided in the form.

Can I bypass the two-step verification if I lost my phone?

You cannot completely bypass two-step verification for security reasons. However, you can select 'I don't have any of these' during login to start the process of replacing your security info, which usually mandates a 30-day waiting period.

Why does my browser keep looping to the login page after entering the correct code?

This is often caused by corrupted browser cookies or an overloaded cache. Clearing your browser data, or trying to log in using an incognito or private browsing window, usually resolves the login loop.

Login & Account Issues