Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Stop Repeated Microsoft Account Password Prompts on iPhone and iPad

Olivia MillerOlivia Miller Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are continuously receiving unexpected Microsoft or Hotmail password pop-up prompts on their devices and need a secure method to stop them.

How to Stop Repeated Microsoft Account Password Prompts on iPhone and iPad
Product
Microsoft Account
Device & OS
iOS, iPadOS, Windows
Scenario
Receiving recurring password requests for a Microsoft or Hotmail account despite already being signed in, frequently triggered after an OS update.
Observed behavior
The device repeatedly displays authentic-looking password prompts for a Microsoft account, interrupting normal usage without successfully maintaining the login state.
Before you start

Before proceeding, do not enter your credentials into any unexpected or suspicious pop-up. Always close the prompt and open the official app or website directly to verify its legitimacy.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove and Re-add the Microsoft Account

Refreshing the account connection is the most effective way to clear authentication glitches and synchronization loops after a system update.

Often, iOS updates can disrupt the authentication tokens used to keep your email accounts synced. Deleting the account from your device settings and adding it back forces the system to generate a fresh, secure connection with Microsoft's servers.

1
Access Mail Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, scroll down, and tap on 'Mail', then select 'Accounts'.

2
Delete the Account

Tap on the affected Microsoft, Outlook, or Hotmail account, and tap 'Delete Account'. Confirm your choice.

3
Restart Device

Restart your iPhone or iPad to ensure all cached background processes tied to the account are fully cleared.

4
Add Account Back

Navigate back to Settings > Mail > Accounts. Tap 'Add Account', choose 'Outlook.com' or 'Microsoft Exchange', and enter your credentials.

Remove and Re-add the Microsoft Account
Data Safety: Deleting the email account from your device settings will not delete your emails from the Microsoft server; they will all repopulate once you sign back in.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone keep asking for my Microsoft password?

This commonly happens after an iOS update due to a synchronization glitch between the native Apple Mail app and Microsoft's authentication servers. Removing and re-adding the account usually resolves the token mismatch.

How can I tell if a password pop-up is a scam?

Scammers can mimic authentic iOS prompts in browsers or malicious apps. Legitimate system prompts usually pause device activity. To be safe, never enter your password in an unexpected pop-up; instead, close it and log in directly through your device settings or the official app.

Does this login loop issue only affect iPhones and iPads?

No. While it is highly common on iOS and iPadOS devices following system updates, similar synchronization bugs and repeated Hotmail or Outlook prompt loops can also affect Windows laptops and Mac computers.