sign in to account on my phone

Complete the security-code challenge shown on the new phone—or use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper if no challenge appears—before setting up the transferred Outlook app again.

1. Restore account access first

A sign-in from a new device can trigger a security block. On the sign-in screen:

1. Select where Microsoft should send the security code: your recovery phone number or alternate email.
2. Enter the code you receive.
3. If available, use the old phone or another device/location where you normally sign in.

These actions verify that the new-phone sign-in is yours.^1^

If the screen explicitly says that the Outlook.com account is temporarily blocked, reset its password using the Unblock account procedure.^2^

If there is no usable verification option:

• Personal Outlook.com/Hotmail/Live account: Open Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper from the support page and enter the affected email address. It will identify the available recovery action.^3^
• Work or school account: Use your organization’s password-reset service if enabled; otherwise contact its IT administrator.
• Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, or another non-Microsoft address used in Outlook: Recover access through that email provider instead.^4^

If the message literally says the Microsoft account has been locked, sign in at account.microsoft.com and follow the displayed unlock process. If the window provides an aka.ms reinstatement link, use that exact link and submit only one request.^5^

2. Set up Outlook cleanly after access is restored

Because Outlook was transferred from the old phone, its copied sign-in state may not complete authentication on the new device. Once browser/account access works:

1. On Android, open Settings → Apps → Outlook → Storage.
2. Select Clear cache and Clear data/storage.
   This removes Outlook’s local configuration, not mail stored in the online mailbox.
3. Open Outlook.
4. Select Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Add an email account.
5. Enter the email address, tap Continue, enter the password, and approve two-step verification if requested.
6. When asked Let this app access your info?, select Yes; selecting No prevents setup.^6^

If clearing Outlook’s data does not help, uninstall Outlook, restart the phone, and install the current version again. Do not restore Outlook from the old-phone transfer a second time.

If it still fails, record the exact error message and whether the address ends in Outlook.com/Hotmail/Live, belongs to work or school, or comes from another provider. Those details determine the next supported recovery path.

References

1. What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account | Microsoft Support
2. Unblock my Outlook.com account | Microsoft Support
3. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
4. Can't sign in to the Outlook mobile app | Microsoft Support
5. Microsoft account has been locked | Microsoft Support
6. Add your Outlook.com account to another mail app or smart device | Microsoft Support