The missing Add phone number option is expected for some personal Microsoft accounts because Microsoft is phasing out SMS for authentication and account recovery; use a recovery email, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey instead.^1^
Add another verification method
- Open the Microsoft account Security page:
https://account.microsoft.com/security
- Sign in with your personal Outlook.com/Microsoft account.
- Select Manage how I sign in.
- Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
- Choose one of the options displayed:
- Email address — add an email address you can access and enter the verification code sent there.
- Microsoft Authenticator — use the app to approve sign-ins.
- Passkey — sign in using your device’s face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN.
- Complete the on-screen verification. The new method should then appear among your sign-in options.^2^
If Phone number does not appear in that menu, it cannot currently be added as a new security method to that account. This is not an Outlook browser or device setting. A verified recovery email and passkey are Microsoft’s supported replacements for SMS.^1^
References
- Microsoft to stop sending SMS codes for personal accounts
- Microsoft account security info & verification codes | Microsoft Support