The basic Hotmail login process

To log in to Hotmail, go to outlook.live.com in your web browser and enter your email address and password. Hotmail accounts are now part of Microsoft's Outlook service, so you use the same login page whether your address ends in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com. After you enter your credentials, Microsoft checks your account and either takes you to your inbox or asks for a second verification step if it detects something unusual about your login.

The login page itself is straightforward: two text boxes, one for your email address and one for your password, with a "Sign in" button below. If you have not used the account in a while or are logging in from a new device, Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity before granting access — this is a security measure, not a sign that something is wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to outlook.live.com and enter your full email address and password to reach your Hotmail inbox.
  • If Microsoft asks for a verification code, check the phone number or backup email address linked to your account — the code arrives within seconds.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Can't access your account?" link on the login page to reset it through your recovery email or phone.
  • Saving your login information in your browser is safe on personal devices but not on shared computers.

What to do if Microsoft asks for a verification code

When you log in from a new device or location, or if Microsoft detects unusual activity, you will see a screen asking you to prove you own the account. This is the two-factor authentication you learned about in the previous guide — it stops someone else from accessing your account even if they have your password. Microsoft sends a code to either your phone number or your backup email address, whichever you set up when you created the account.

Enter the code exactly as it appears — usually six digits — into the box on the screen. The code expires after about 15 minutes, so if you do not see it arrive within a minute or two, check your spam folder or request a new code. Once you enter the correct code, you will be taken to your inbox and the device will be remembered, so you will not need to verify again the next time you log in from that same computer.

Resetting your password if you are locked out

If you cannot remember your password, click "Can't access your account?" on the login page. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address, then show you the recovery options you set up — usually a phone number where they can text a code, or a backup email address where they can send a reset link. Choose whichever option you still have access to.

If you receive a text code, enter it on the next screen. If you receive an email, open it and click the link to create a new password. You will then be able to log in with your new password. If you no longer have access to either your phone number or backup email, Microsoft has a longer verification process involving security questions or a government ID — this takes longer but is designed to prevent someone else from taking over your account.

Staying logged in on your own device

When you log in, Hotmail offers a checkbox that says "Keep me signed in." On a personal computer or phone that only you use, checking this box is safe and convenient — you will not have to enter your password every time you open outlook.live.com. The browser stores a token that proves you are logged in, but not your actual password.

On a shared computer — a family device, a library computer, or a work machine — do not check this box. Leave it unchecked so that when you close your browser, your session ends and the next person cannot access your email. If you forget and check the box on a shared device, go back to outlook.live.com, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Sign out" to end your session when ready.

Using Hotmail on your phone or tablet

You can log in to Hotmail through the Outlook app on iOS or Android, or through the mobile web version at outlook.live.com. The Outlook app is usually faster and sends you notifications when new mail arrives. To set it up, open the app, tap "Add account," enter your email address and password, and allow the app to access your account. If Microsoft asks for a verification code, follow the same process as on the web — enter the code sent to your phone or backup email.

The mobile web version works the same way as the desktop version: go to outlook.live.com in your phone's browser and log in with your email and password. The page automatically adjusts to fit your phone screen. If you use the app, you can stay logged in without security risk because the app is password-protected by your phone's lock screen — only you can open it.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying your password is incorrect, check that you are typing it exactly right — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are sure your password is correct, use the password reset process described above. Sometimes Hotmail will temporarily block login attempts if it detects many failed tries in a row, as a security measure. Wait 30 minutes and try again.

If you see a message saying your account has been locked or suspended, Microsoft usually sends an email explaining why — check your backup email address or the phone number on file. Common reasons include suspicious activity, too many failed login attempts, or a security issue. Follow the instructions in that email to unlock your account. If you do not receive an email, go to account.microsoft.com and sign in there — it often shows more detail about account status than the Outlook login page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to save my Hotmail password in my browser?

On a personal device that only you use, yes — your browser stores the password in an encrypted form. On a shared device, no. If you save your password on a shared computer, anyone who uses that device can access your email. Use the "Keep me signed in" checkbox instead, which logs you out when you close the browser.

What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?

Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for "Recent activity" or "Security" in the left menu. You will see a list of devices and locations where your account was accessed. If you see a login you do not recognize, click it and select "This wasn't me" to sign that device out. Then change your password when ready using the reset process above.

Can I log in to Hotmail without a phone number or backup email?

You can log in, but you will not be able to use two-factor authentication or reset your password if you forget it. Microsoft strongly recommends adding at least a phone number to your account for security. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for "Security info" to add a phone number or backup email.

Why does Hotmail ask me to verify every time I log in?

This usually means you are logging in from a new device each time, or your browser is set to clear cookies when you close it. Cookies are small files that remember you are logged in. If you want to stay logged in without verifying every time, check "Keep me signed in" when you log in, and make sure your browser is not set to delete cookies automatically.

Can I log in to Hotmail on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can be logged in on your phone, your computer, and a tablet all at once. Each device is treated separately, so logging out on one device does not log you out on the others. If you want to log out everywhere at once, go to account.microsoft.com, find "Recent activity," and select "Sign out all other sessions."