Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
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