Hotmail Login: How to Sign In to www.hotmail.com (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

Complete Hotmail login guide for 2026. Sign in at www.hotmail.com on desktop, Android and iPhone, set up IMAP/SMTP, fix login errors, and reset your password. 

Need to get into your inbox right now? This guide covers the Hotmail login process step by step for computers, Android phones, iPhones, and other email apps. You will also find fixes for common sign-in errors, password recovery steps, and security tips to protect your account.

Last updated: November 2026

Official sign-in pages:

• Main sign-in: https://login.live.com

• Outlook mailbox: https://outlook.live.com

• Password reset: https://account.live.com/password/reset

Is Hotmail Still Available?

Yes. Hotmail is not shut down. Microsoft rebranded its email service as Outlook.com, but existing @hotmail.com addresses keep working exactly as before. When you type www.hotmail.com into your browser, you are taken to Microsoft’s Outlook sign-in. Your emails, contacts, calendar, and folders are all still there.

The key point is that your Hotmail address is a Microsoft account. You use the same email and password to sign in to Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox, and other Microsoft services. So a Hotmail login is really a Microsoft account login.

Hotmail Login in Short

For a quick answer, here is the whole process:

1. Go to www.hotmail.com or outlook.live.com.

2. Click Sign in.

3. Enter your Hotmail address, phone number, or Skype name.

4. Enter your password.

5. Approve the verification request if asked.

6. Your inbox opens.

The sections below explain each device in detail.

How to Sign In to Hotmail on a Computer

The desktop browser is the most common way to use Hotmail. It works the same on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

1. Open any browser. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera all work well.

2. Visit www.hotmail.com. You will land on Microsoft’s official Outlook page. You can also type outlook.live.com directly.

3. Click the Sign in button in the top-right corner of the page.

4. Type your email address. Use your full address, such as yourname@hotmail.com, then click Next.

5. Type your password and click Sign in. Passwords are case-sensitive.

6. Verify your identity if prompted. If two-step verification is on, enter the code sent to your phone or approve the sign-in in the Microsoft Authenticator app.

7. Choose whether to stay signed in. Click Yes only on your own device. On a shared computer, click No.

After signing in, you will see your inbox in the center, your folders on the left, and a reading pane on the right.

How to Sign In to Hotmail on Android

On Android, the Outlook app is the best choice. It is free and supports push notifications, a calendar, and file attachments.

1. Open the Google Play Store and install Microsoft Outlook.

2. Open the app and tap Add Account.

3. Enter your Hotmail address and tap Continue.

4. Type your password.

5. Complete any verification step.

6. Allow notifications so you receive new mail alerts right away.

Your inbox will sync within a few seconds. If you have more than one account, tap the profile icon to switch between them.

If you prefer the Gmail app, you can also add Hotmail there. Open Gmail, tap your profile picture, choose Add another account, and select Outlook, Hotmail and Live.

How to Sign In to Hotmail on iPhone and iPad

On Apple devices you have two good options.

Option 1: Outlook app

1. Download Microsoft Outlook from the App Store.

2. Open it and tap Add Account.

3. Enter your Hotmail email address and tap Continue.

4. Enter your password and finish verification.

Option 2: Built-in Mail app

1. Go to Settings, then Mail, then Accounts.

2. Tap Add Account and choose Outlook.com.

3. Sign in with your Hotmail address and password.

4. Choose what to sync: Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Notes.

Either way, your messages stay in sync with the web version.

How to Sign In to Hotmail Using Other Email Apps (IMAP, POP and SMTP)

If you use Thunderbird, Apple Mail on Mac, or another desktop email program, you may need to enter server settings manually. Most modern apps detect them automatically, but here are the standard values.

IMAP (incoming mail, recommended)

• Server: imap-mail.outlook.com

• Port: 993

• Encryption: SSL/TLS

POP (incoming mail)

• Server: pop-mail.outlook.com

• Port: 995

• Encryption: SSL/TLS

SMTP (outgoing mail)

• Server: smtp-mail.outlook.com

• Port: 587

• Encryption: STARTTLS

• Authentication: required

For the username, use your full Hotmail address. For the password, use your normal password, or an app password if two-step verification is on.

IMAP is usually better than POP because it keeps your mail on the server, so your inbox looks the same on every device. Microsoft updates these settings from time to time, so if the connection fails, check Microsoft’s official support page for the latest values.

Hotmail Login With Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification adds a second layer of protection. Even if someone learns your password, they cannot enter your account without the second step.

How to turn it on:

1. Sign in at account.microsoft.com.

2. Open the Security section.

3. Select Advanced security options.

4. Turn on Two-step verification.

5. Choose your method: the Authenticator app, a text message, or an email code.

6. Save your recovery code in a safe place.

What happens at sign-in: After entering your password, Microsoft asks for the code or an approval on your phone. Enter it, and you are in.

Tip: Keep your recovery code somewhere offline, such as a notebook. If you lose your phone, that code is what gets you back in.

Passwordless Hotmail Login With Passkeys and Authenticator

Microsoft also lets you sign in without typing a password at all. You can use the Microsoft Authenticator app, a passkey stored on your device, Windows Hello, or a hardware security key. These methods are generally safer than passwords because they cannot be guessed or easily phished. To set one up, open your Microsoft account security page and choose the passwordless option.

Hotmail Login Not Working? Try These Fixes

Even if you enter everything correctly, sign-in problems can happen. Work through this list in order.

1. Check your internet connection. A weak or interrupted connection causes many errors. Open another website to confirm you are online.

2. Re-enter your email and password carefully. Make sure Caps Lock is off and there are no extra spaces. Check that you typed the correct domain, because name@hotmail.com and name@outlook.com are different addresses.

3. Clear browser cache and cookies. Old data can cause a sign-in loop where the page keeps returning to the login screen.

4. Try a private or incognito window. This loads the page without saved data or extensions.

5. Turn off extensions, VPN, or proxy. Ad blockers and VPNs can interrupt the sign-in process. Disable them temporarily and test again.

6. Switch browser or device. If Chrome fails, try Edge or Firefox. If the computer fails, test on your phone.

7. Update your browser or app. Outdated software can break the sign-in page.

8. Check Microsoft’s service status. Sometimes the problem is not on your side. Microsoft’s status page shows outages. If there is one, wait and try again later.

9. Check the date and time on your device. A wrong clock can cause security errors.

10. Look for an account lock. If Microsoft sees unusual activity, it may lock your account. Follow the on-screen steps to verify your identity and unlock it.

Common Error Messages

• “That Microsoft account doesn’t exist”: The address may be misspelled, or the account may have been closed after long inactivity.

• “Your account or password is incorrect”: Double-check both, or reset your password.

• “Something went wrong”: Usually temporary. Wait a few minutes, clear cache, and retry.

• “We can’t sign you in right now”: Often a server or network issue. Try again later or from another network.

How to Reset a Forgotten Hotmail Password

Forgetting your password is very common, and Microsoft makes recovery simple.

1. Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset.

2. Enter your Hotmail address and click Next.

3. Choose how to receive a security code: recovery email, phone number, or authenticator app.

4. Enter the code you receive.

5. Create a new password and confirm it.

6. Sign in with the new password.

If you cannot receive a code: Choose the option saying you do not have access to your verification methods. Microsoft will ask you to fill in a recovery form. The more accurate details you give, such as old passwords, email subjects, and frequent contacts, the better your chances. Use an email address and device you normally use, because Microsoft compares them with your past activity.

Prevent future lockouts: Add a recovery email and a phone number to your account now. It takes two minutes and can save you hours later.

Keeping Your Hotmail Account Safe

Your email account is the key to your other accounts, so it deserves strong protection.

• Use a long, unique password. A passphrase of several unrelated words is strong and easier to remember. Never reuse it on other sites.

• Turn on two-step verification. This single step blocks most account takeovers.

• Beware of phishing. Fake emails and websites that copy the Microsoft sign-in page are very common. Before typing your password, check that the address bar shows a genuine Microsoft domain such as login.live.com or outlook.live.com.

• Do not trust urgent warnings. Microsoft will not ask for your password by email or phone. Messages that say your account will be deleted unless you click a link are scams.

• Avoid unofficial support numbers. Many “Hotmail customer care” numbers found online are fraudulent. Use only Microsoft’s official support site.

• Review recent activity. In your account security page, check the list of recent sign-ins. If you see a location or device you do not recognize, change your password immediately.

• Sign out on shared computers. At a cyber cafe or office, use a private window and always sign out.

• Keep your device updated. Install security updates for your operating system, browser, and apps.

What You Can Do After Signing In

Hotmail through Outlook gives you much more than basic email.

• Email management: Use folders, categories, flags, and rules to organize messages automatically.

• Focused Inbox: Separates important mail from newsletters and promotions.

• Calendar: Create events, send invitations, and set reminders.

• Contacts: Keep your address book in one place.

• OneDrive integration: Attach large files and share them through cloud links.

• Office on the web: Create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents in your browser.

• Spam and phishing filters: Built-in protection filters junk mail.

• Aliases: Add another email address to the same inbox to keep your main address private.

• Dark mode and themes: Customize the look of your mailbox.

How to Sign Out of Hotmail

Click your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner and select Sign out. If you used a public computer, close the browser window afterward. To sign out of all devices at once, open your Microsoft account security page and use the option to sign out everywhere.

Hotmail vs Outlook: What Is the Difference?

For everyday users, there is no difference in how the account works. Outlook.com is the current name of the service and interface, while Hotmail is the older brand and still a valid address ending. Your login, inbox, and settings are the same whichever name you use.

Do not confuse Outlook.com with the Outlook desktop program in Microsoft 365. That program is separate software, though it can connect to your Hotmail account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign in to Hotmail?

Go to www.hotmail.com or outlook.live.com, click Sign in, enter your Hotmail address and password, and complete any verification step. Your inbox will open.

Is www.hotmail.com the official login page?

Yes. It redirects to Microsoft’s official Outlook sign-in. Always confirm the final address belongs to Microsoft before entering your password.

Is Hotmail the same as Outlook?

They are the same service. Hotmail is the older name, and Outlook is the current one.

Is Hotmail free?

Yes, the basic email service is free. Microsoft also offers paid plans with extra storage and features.

What should I try first if I cannot sign in?

Check your email address, make sure Caps Lock is off, clear your cookies and cache, try a different browser or device, and turn off any VPN or proxy.

Can I use Hotmail on my phone?

Yes. Use the Outlook app, the built-in Mail app, or the mobile browser at outlook.live.com.

What if I forgot my Hotmail email address?

Try signing in with a phone number or Skype name linked to your account. You can also search your other inboxes for messages from Microsoft that mention your Hotmail address.

How do I recover a hacked Hotmail account?

Go to the password reset page, verify your identity, and set a new password. Then turn on two-step verification, review recent activity, remove unknown devices, and check your mail forwarding rules.

What should I do if the sign-in page says “Something went wrong”?

Check Microsoft’s service status, wait a few minutes, clear your cache, and try again. If it continues, switch browser or device.

Can I add my Hotmail account to Gmail or another app?

Yes. Most email apps support Hotmail through Outlook or IMAP settings. Use the server details in this guide if automatic setup fails.

How often should I sign in to keep my account active?

Microsoft can close accounts that stay inactive for a long time. Signing in regularly keeps it active. Check Microsoft’s support page for the current inactivity rules.

Helpful Official Links

• Sign in to your Microsoft account: https://login.live.com

• Open your Outlook mailbox: https://outlook.live.com

• Recover your account: https://account.live.com/password/reset

• Security settings: https://account.microsoft.com/security

• Microsoft support: https://support.microsoft.com

Final Words

A Hotmail login is quick once you know the steps. Go to www.hotmail.com, enter your email and password, verify if asked, and your inbox is ready. If something goes wrong, the fixes above solve most problems, from clearing your browser cache to resetting your password.

The most important habit is staying secure. Use a strong password, enable two-step verification, add recovery options, and always make sure you are on the real Microsoft sign-in page. Do this, and your Hotmail account will remain safe and easy to use for years.