The Basic Sign-In Steps

To sign in to Hotmail, go to outlook.com in your web browser. Hotmail accounts now run through Outlook, so you will use the same login page whether your email address ends in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com. Enter your full email address in the first field, then click Next.

On the next screen, enter your password and click Sign in. If you have set up two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication), you will be asked to confirm your identity using a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Enter that code when prompted, and you will be taken to your inbox.

If you see a message asking whether to trust this device, you can click Yes to skip the two-step verification code the next time you sign in from that same computer. Click No if you are using a shared or public computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Hotmail accounts sign in through outlook.com, regardless of whether your address ends in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com.
  • If you have set up two-step verification, you will need to enter a code from your phone or authenticator app after your password.
  • You can tell Outlook to remember a device so you do not have to enter the verification code every time you sign in from that computer.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Can't access your account?" link on the sign-in page to reset it.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Password

Click Can't access your account? below the sign-in fields on outlook.com. Enter your email address and complete the security check by solving a CAPTCHA (the distorted text or image puzzle). Outlook will then ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

If you have a recovery email on file, Outlook will send a link to that address. Click the link and follow the steps to create a new password. If you have a recovery phone number instead, Outlook will text or call you with a code. Enter that code on the reset page, then create a new password. Make sure your new password is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for the strongest protection.

Signing In on Your Phone or Tablet

Download the Outlook app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Open the app and tap Add Account. Select Hotmail.com or Outlook.com from the list, then enter your email address and password.

If you have two-step verification turned on, the app will ask you to confirm your identity using a code. After you sign in, the app will sync your inbox, calendar, and contacts automatically. You can add multiple email accounts to the same Outlook app by tapping the menu and selecting Add Account again.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-In Problems

If you see "We could not sign you in": Check that you typed your email address and password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital and lowercase letters matter. If you are certain your password is correct, use the password reset process described above.

If you are stuck on the two-step verification screen: Make sure you are entering the code within a few minutes of receiving it — codes expire quickly. If you did not receive a code, check that your phone number or email address is current by going to account.microsoft.com and selecting Security. If you no longer have access to your recovery phone or email, you can use the account recovery process to regain access.

If the sign-in page will not load: Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. In most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac). If the page still will not load, try a different browser or device to rule out a problem with your computer.

Setting Up Two-Step Verification for Extra Security

Two-step verification adds a second layer of protection to your account by requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password. To turn it on, go to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Click Security on the left side, then scroll down to Two-step verification and click Set up two-step verification.

Choose whether you want to receive codes by text message, phone call, or through an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. If you choose an app, scan the QR code shown on the screen using your phone's camera or the authenticator app itself. The app will then generate a new code every 30 seconds. Enter the code shown in the app to confirm the setup is working, and two-step verification will be active on your account.

Save your backup codes in a safe place — these are one-time codes you can use if you lose access to your phone. Write them down on paper or store them in a password manager, but do not email them to yourself or leave them in an easy-to-find location.

Signing Out and Staying Secure

To sign out of Outlook, click your profile picture or initials in the top right corner and select Sign out. Always sign out when you finish using Hotmail on a shared computer, such as one at a library or internet café. If you forget to sign out, anyone with access to that computer can read your email.

If you think someone else has signed in to your account without permission, go to account.microsoft.com, click Security, and scroll to Recent activity. You will see a list of devices and locations where your account has been accessed. If you see a sign-in you do not recognize, click Review all activity and then If this wasn't you to secure your account. You can also change your password immediately to lock out anyone who may have gained access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Hotmail password to sign in to Outlook.com?

Yes. Hotmail and Outlook use the same login system now, so your Hotmail password works on outlook.com. Your email address might end in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com, but you sign in at the same place and use the same password for all of them.

What should I do if I keep getting an error message about my account being locked?

Your account locks temporarily after several failed sign-in attempts to protect it from unauthorized access. Wait a few hours, then try signing in again. If the problem continues, use the password reset process to make sure you are entering the correct password. If you still cannot sign in, go to account.microsoft.com and look for a security alert or notification about unusual activity.

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

Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less secure than typing it each time. Only do this on a computer you own and use alone. Never save your password on a shared computer, work computer, or public device. If you do save it, make sure you are the only person with access to that device.

Can I sign in to Hotmail without two-step verification if I have it turned on?

No, two-step verification is required every time you sign in from a new device or browser. You can tell Outlook to trust a device for 30 days so you do not have to enter the code every single time, but you will still need it the first time you sign in from that device.