How to Fix Outlook.com Usage Limit Exceeded and Account Lockout
Question details
The user is unable to send or reply to emails in Outlook.com due to a usage limit or temporary account block triggered by unusual activity.
- Product
- Outlook.com
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to send or reply to emails but receiving a temporary block or usage limit error, sometimes leaving messages stuck in the Outbox.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook.com prevents sending emails. Attempting phone verification to unblock the account sometimes results in an 'Invalid request' message.
Before requesting a verification code to unblock your account, ensure you are not using a VPN or proxy, as logging in from unfamiliar IP addresses can trigger additional security flags from Microsoft.
Unblock Your Outlook.com Account via Microsoft Support
Use Microsoft's official verification process to confirm your identity and lift the temporary block on your Outlook.com account.
Microsoft temporarily blocks accounts when it detects unusually high sending volumes or suspicious sign-in locations to protect users from spam and fraud. Completing an SMS verification usually lifts this restriction.
Go to the official Microsoft account sign-in page and enter your locked email address and password.
Follow the on-screen prompts asking to verify your account. Enter a valid mobile phone number to receive a text message. This number does not have to be the one previously registered to your account.
Input the security code you receive via SMS to verify your identity. Once accepted, your account will be unlocked.
If you receive an 'Invalid request' error during verification, try clearing your browser cache, using an Incognito window, or waiting 24 hours before requesting another code.
Delete Pending Messages in the Outbox
Clearing stuck messages in your Outbox helps prevent the system from continuously attempting to send emails, which can maintain the sending limit block.
Try WPS Office for Your Daily Document and Email Needs
While Microsoft handles Outlook.com account lockouts, you might need a reliable and hassle-free office suite for your daily work. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, letting you seamlessly create and edit documents to attach to your future emails.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Start creating documents: Open WPS Office to instantly start creating Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook say I have reached my usage limit?
Microsoft imposes daily sending limits on Outlook.com accounts to deter spammers. You might hit this limit faster if your account is relatively new, if you send emails to a large group of recipients at once, or if you send an unusually high volume of messages in a short period.
What should I do if my phone verification says 'Invalid request'?
This error typically occurs due to browser cache issues, network glitches, or temporary Microsoft server errors. Try using a private browsing window, clearing your browser cache, or attempting the verification with a different phone number.
How long does an Outlook temporary block last?
A temporary unusual activity block is usually lifted immediately after you complete the SMS verification process. However, if you hit a hard daily sending limit, you may need to wait up to 24 hours before you can send emails again.
How can I increase my Outlook.com sending limits?
You can naturally increase your sending limits over time by using the account regularly and keeping your security information updated. Additionally, users who subscribe to Microsoft 365 receive significantly higher daily sending limits compared to free Outlook.com users.
