Hotmail Sign Up: Create a Hotmail or Outlook Account

Creating a Hotmail or Outlook account is free and takes only a few minutes. This guide walks you through the signup process on a computer, Android phone and iPhone, plus tips for choosing a secure password, setting up account recovery, and fixing common signup errors.

Hotmail is now part of Microsoft's Outlook platform, but you can still create a brand-new @hotmail.com address — or choose @outlook.com instead. Either way, your new account doubles as a Microsoft account, giving you a single login for Outlook, OneDrive, Office Online, Microsoft Teams and the Microsoft Store.

How to Create a Hotmail Account on Desktop

Follow these steps to sign up for a new Hotmail account in your web browser:

1. Go to the signup page — Open your browser and visit signup.live.com.
2. Create account — Click the Create account button on the Hotmail registration page.
3. Choose your email domain — Select either @hotmail.com or @outlook.com, then enter your desired username.
4. Create a strong password — Enter a password with at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols, then click Next.
5. Add personal information — Enter your first name, last name, country and date of birth, then click Next.
6. Complete the CAPTCHA — Prove you are human by solving the CAPTCHA challenge.
7. Verify your account — Microsoft sends a verification code via email or phone. Enter the code to complete signup.

How to Create a Hotmail Account on Mobile

On Android

You can create a Hotmail account directly from your Android phone:

• Open the Outlook app or go to signup.live.com in your browser.
• Tap Create new account.
• Choose @hotmail.com or @outlook.com and enter your desired username.
• Set a strong password and enter your personal details.
• Complete the CAPTCHA and verify via SMS or email.
• Your Hotmail account is now active and synced to your phone.

On iPhone

• Download the Outlook app from the App Store (or use Safari to visit signup.live.com).
• Tap Create account and select Create new account.
• Choose your email domain (@hotmail.com or @outlook.com) and enter a username.
• Create a strong password and enter your name, country and date of birth.
• Solve the CAPTCHA and verify your account with SMS or email confirmation.
• Your Hotmail account is ready to use.

@hotmail.com vs @outlook.com: Which Should You Choose?

Both email domains work perfectly and have no functional differences. Here is what you need to know:

• @hotmail.com — The original Hotmail domain, still active and widely recognized. Good if you want a classic, familiar email address.
• @outlook.com — Microsoft's modern email service launched in 2013. A more contemporary look for professional or business use.
• Both use the Outlook platform — Regardless of which domain you choose, your account uses the same Outlook.com interface, features and storage.
• You can create more than one — You are not limited to a single address; you can sign up for both @hotmail.com and @outlook.com if you prefer.

Choosing a Strong Hotmail Password

Your password protects your Hotmail account and all connected Microsoft services. Follow these guidelines:

• At least 8 characters long — Longer passwords are stronger. Consider 12+ characters for extra security.
• Mix character types — Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Avoid personal information — Don't use your name, birthdate, address or common words.
• Use a unique password — Never reuse a password across multiple accounts. If one service is compromised, attackers may try your credentials elsewhere.
• Store securely — Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or the Microsoft Authenticator app to protect your passwords.

Setting Up Account Recovery and Security

Hotmail offers multiple ways to keep your account secure and recoverable:

• Recovery email — Add a second email address where Microsoft can send recovery codes if you lose access.
• Recovery phone — Add a phone number for SMS verification and account recovery.
• Two-step verification (2FA) — Enable this in your account settings. Microsoft sends a code to your phone or email before allowing sign-in from new devices.
• Authenticator app — Use the Microsoft Authenticator app for fast, secure two-step verification without relying on SMS.

Common Hotmail Sign Up Issues and Fixes

If you encounter problems during signup, these solutions usually help:

• Username already taken: Try a different username, add numbers or use a period in your address (firstname.lastname).
• Password rejected: Make sure your password has at least 8 characters and includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols.
• Verification code not received: Wait a few minutes and request a new code. Check your spam folder if using email verification.
• Signup blocked: Microsoft sometimes blocks new accounts from unusual locations. Try again later or verify your identity by phone.
• CAPTCHA issues: If you cannot read the CAPTCHA, click the refresh icon for a new challenge, or use the audio option.
• Age requirement: You must be at least 13 years old to create a Microsoft account.

Quick troubleshooting reference

Frequently Asked Questions