I can't login to my account even though I know my username and password?

[Lel]

Okay, I know my username and password. But for some reason, yahoo isn't letting me log in with it. After I enter my username and password, it asks me my security question which I don't remember the answer to. The only other alternative is to have them text a code to the phone number I listed - but the phone number I listed wasn't really mine, just a random one I made up.

I asked a similar question recently but was not clear that my account has NOT yet been "deactivated". It's only been a few months since my last login. But I realize in a few more months, it will have been a year since my last successful login and that means the account WILL be recycled.

How can I log in to my account successfully? I don't understand why it won't let me login when I have the right username and password. I just can't verify it with the security question or phone number (although I am regularly retrying to get the right answer to the security question).

[Cat]

I think they have an area where you can email them and explain your situation. If they don't let you - i've had them do that to me multiple times...you'd have to open a new one.
They aren't very helpful. Lot's of complaints I've read.

[Arthur Dent]

In order to protect your account Yahoo can't reset your password unless we can verify you are the actual account owner.

If you're seeing a prompt asking you to answer a security question the following article will provide more information about this situation.

"Confirm your identity" pop-up message - https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=con...=PROD_ACCT

Here's some information on why you may be having a problem with your password and what to do about it.

My password is not working - https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=con...=PROD_ACCT

The video contained in the following article shows you how to recover your password using a mobile phone number, an alternate email address, or by answering your security questions

https://help.yahoo.com/kb/yahoo-account/...sions=true

If you do not have a non-Yahoo! alternate email address, valid mobile number, or cannot verify your security questions you will need to contact Yahoo Customer Care, the following contact options are available:

In the US Call 1-800-318-0612
International users Call 509-797-6330

Twitter - https://twitter.com/YahooCare
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YahooCustomerCare

Here's how to use the automated web-based contact system.
Click one of the links above.
Click the "Contact Customer Care" link
under the Quick Links section to the right of your screen.
This should open the Yahoo Help form.

The Selected product should be "Yahoo Account"

"Under Topic" select "Password and sign in"
"Under Sub-topic" select "unable to sign in"
"Under Recommended options" Click on the Email link.

Complete the form as indicated. If you don't remember your Security Question or Security Answer enter "unknown". Yahoo will use the information you provide to verify you are the actual owner of the account. If they can't verify your information it's unlikely you will be able to recover your account.

If you're able to recover your account here's some guidelines for creating a secure, strong password - https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=con...OD_MAIL_ML

Once you're able to change your password it would be a good idea to review your security questions and make changes if you don't remember your answers.

Changing your security questions - https://help.yahoo.com/kb/mail/SLN2031.h...sions=true

I recommend using a password manager like Keepass or LastPass to create and store strong unique passwords for the sites you visit. You can also save notes like your secret questions and answers to the password entries. LastPass can automatically log you in to any web site you have stored in its database.