Microsoft account

For a personal Microsoft account, adding a new phone number as a security verification method may no longer be available. In that case, only options such as a recovery email address, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey may appear under security settings.

If the goal is to change the phone number used to sign in:

1. Go to Manage how you sign in to Microsoft and sign in.
2. Under Account alias, check whether the old phone number is listed.
3. Select Remove next to the old number.
4. Select Add phone number and follow the prompts.

If the goal is to change the phone number used for security verification:

1. Open the Microsoft account Security tab.
2. Select Manage how I sign in.
3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
4. If phone number is not offered, use one of the available methods instead:
   • recovery email address
   • Microsoft Authenticator
   • passkey

If the old phone number was removed and access is now blocked:

1. At the Verify your identity prompt, select I don't have any of these.
2. Follow the instructions to replace security info.
3. After replacing all security info, there is a 30-day wait before sign-in is restored.

If a mobile number is already linked to another Microsoft account:

• Select Transfer if that option appears.
• If Transfer does not appear, select Change number and use a different mobile number, or try again after 30 days.
• A phone number can only be added to a single Microsoft account.

Also note:

• VOIP numbers cannot be added for sign-in or verification codes.
• Avoid making repeated code requests, because that can temporarily block code delivery.

• Microsoft account security info & verification codes | Microsoft Support
• How do I change or remove my phone number in Skype? | Microsoft Support
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
• Help with reusing phone numbers in a Microsoft account | Microsoft Support