Personal account locked and not letting me unlock

If the personal Microsoft account is locked, the supported unlock path is to sign in at https://account.microsoft.com and request a security code.

Key points:

• Any phone number that can receive text messages can be used. It does not need to be associated with the account.
• The code expires after 10 minutes.
• If the code does not work, enter the numbers from the body of the text message, not the header.
• If a "usage limit exceeded" message appears, the phone number may have been used too many times in a short period or flagged for suspicious activity.

If the account still cannot be unlocked:

1. Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper to identify the sign-in problem.
2. If the password is known but access to security info is lost, replace the security info during sign-in by selecting I don't have any of these at the identity verification prompt. After replacement, there is a 30-day wait before sign-in is allowed.
3. If the password is not known and security info is unavailable, submit the account recovery form.
4. If the sign-in screen does not show the Next option, use the reinstatement link shown in the lock window and submit that form. Do not submit multiple requests, because that can slow the review.
5. If more help is needed, use Contact Microsoft Support. Support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.

If the missing inbox is in Outlook mobile, the sign-in helper is also the recommended starting point for Microsoft personal accounts.

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