Password & Account Recovery

How to Recover a Hotmail Account Without Password or Verification Code

WPS Editor Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover access to a Hotmail account but lacks both the account password and the password for the backup recovery email. Furthermore, SMS verification codes are not being delivered to the associated phone number.

How to Recover a Hotmail Account Without Password or Verification Code

Product: Hotmail / Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to regain access to a locked or forgotten Hotmail account when standard authentication and secondary verification methods fail.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to log in because the password is forgotten, the recovery email is inaccessible, and the verification codes sent to the phone number are never received.

Before you start

Ensure your mobile phone has a strong cellular signal and check your messaging app's blocklist to verify it is not automatically blocking texts from unknown senders or automated shortcodes.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot Missing Verification Codes

Fix common phone and network issues that prevent Microsoft's SMS verification codes from reaching your device before attempting alternative recovery methods.

Often, verification codes fail to arrive due to simple device settings, network congestion, or temporary server blocks. Addressing these issues can quickly restore your ability to receive the code and reset your password.

Check your blocklist settings

Open your mobile phone's messaging app settings and ensure that messages from unknown senders or automated systems are not being filtered into a spam or blocked folder.

Clear mobile storage space

Verify that your phone's SMS inbox is not full. Delete old messages if necessary to ensure new text messages can be delivered.

Avoid repeated requests

Do not repeatedly click the 'Resend code' button. Sending too many requests in a short period triggers a temporary security block from Microsoft. Wait at least 24 hours before trying again.

Select an alternative verification method

On the verification screen, select 'I don't have any of these' or 'Show more verification methods' to see if you previously set up an alternative way to verify your identity, such as an authenticator app.

Network Provider Restrictions: Some mobile carriers block automated shortcode texts by default. You may need to contact your carrier to ensure premium or automated SMS delivery is enabled on your plan.

Solution 2

Use the Microsoft Account Recovery Form

If you absolutely cannot access your recovery email or receive verification codes, the automated account recovery form is the official fallback method to prove your identity.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Stay Productive with WPS Office While Recovering Your Account

If you are locked out of your Hotmail and Microsoft account, you might temporarily lose access to Microsoft 365 services. You don't have to pause your work. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you view and edit your documents immediately without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in.

1. Download the software: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the office suite on your device.
3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations to continue working without an account barrier.

Completely free to use with a lightweight installation package.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx).No Microsoft account required to create, open, and edit local files.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless transition for your daily productivity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft not sending the verification code to my phone?

This can happen due to a full SMS inbox, poor mobile reception, carrier restrictions on automated shortcodes, or temporary security blocks placed on your account because you requested the code too many times in a short period.

Can I recover my Hotmail account by calling Microsoft Customer Support?

No. For privacy and security reasons, Microsoft support agents cannot reset your password, send verification codes, or manually bypass account security over the phone. You must use the online recovery form.

How many times can I submit the Microsoft account recovery form?

You can submit the account recovery form up to two times per day. If your request is denied, take time to gather more accurate information (such as old passwords or email subject lines) before trying again the next day.

What happens if I never set up a recovery email or phone number?

If you did not link a backup email or phone number, or if they are outdated, the Microsoft Account Recovery form (account.live.com/acsr) is the only official method available to regain access to your Hotmail account.

Login & Account Issues