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Another email account was blocked from too many login attempts - can't recover

Shannon C 0 Reputation points
2026-05-14T16:53:33.32+00:00

An email I've used for 30+ years was suddenly locked from too many login attempts. I think this occurred because a device was trying to automatically log in. I followed all of the steps to reset the password and it worked, but was quickly locked again because of that other device. I've removed any automatic logins but I still can't rest the password. Thanks to two factor authentication, I have to enter a phone number and then I get the "Help us beat the robots" "press and hold" screen. Problem is I can never get past that screen. I press and hold then get "try again". Over and over and over. so I tried to use my recovery code and I get "There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again later." I would think three weeks later is long enough. I have set up a new account but I really would like to access stored emails on the old account.

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  1. Chloe-L 13,140 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-14T22:08:11.8666667+00:00

    Hello Shannon C,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand how frustrating it must be to lose access to an email account you’ve relied on for over 30 years, especially when you’re doing everything correctly but keep getting stuck in an automated loop.

    Based on your description, you’re encountering two related security blocks:

    • An Arkose Labs CAPTCHA loop (“Help us beat the robots”)
    • A server-side throttle (“There’s a temporary problem with the service”)

    Below is a step-by-step plan to work around these blocks and successfully use your recovery code.

    1. Change your network Disconnect your smartphone from your home Wi‑Fi and use cellular data instead. This gives you a completely new IP address
    2. Use a private browser window This prevents corrupted cache or stored cookies from interfering with the sign‑in process.
    3. Choose the audio CAPTCHA option If you still see a visual CAPTCHA, look for the speaker icon or an “Audio” option if available. Audio challenges use a different verification path and may get you out of the loop

    The message “There’s a temporary problem with the service. Please try again later” indicates that Microsoft’s anti‑abuse system has placed a temporary hold on your account recovery options. Please stop all your sign in attempts for 48 hours.

    After the full 48‑hour cooldown has passed:

    1. Open an InPrivate or Incognito browser window on a device connected to a different network (for example, your phone on cellular data).
    2. Go to account.microsoft.com and attempt to sign in.
    3. When prompted for a password, select Forgot password.
    4. When asked for two‑factor authentication, choose I don’t have any of these or Use a recovery code (the wording may vary).
    5. Enter your 25‑character recovery code.

    Important note: Because two‑factor authentication is enabled on your account, the standard Microsoft Account Recovery Form (aka.ms/recoveryform) will be automatically rejected. Your recovery code is the only valid recovery method.

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