Updating phone number for security purposes

Judy S 0 Reputation points
2026-11-11T23:53:17.9233333+00:00

When updating my contact information for Microsoft 365 I deleted my old phone number. Now I cannot update my account with my new phone number. What do I do?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows
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  1. EmilyS726 279.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-12T00:25:24.1166667+00:00

    For personal Microsoft accounts, Microsoft now says you can no longer add a phone number as a new security method. This method is being phased out. See official document here.

    https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-to-stop-sending-sms-codes-for-personal-accounts

    Are you hoping to update the contact method to receive the 2FA verification?

    If so, you go to https://account.live.com > Security > Manage how I sign in. And you will need to use email, the authentication app, or passkey.

    If you need to verify your Bing Reward, The supported alternative to entering a phone number is QR-code verification through the Bing mobile app. Microsoft officially identifies this as an alternative to SMS, and users have successfully redeemed rewards with it when SMS verification failed. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/rewards/use-qr-code-verification-to-redeem-microsoft-rewards

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-11T23:53:59.2966667+00:00

    For a personal Microsoft account used with Microsoft 365 Home, add a recovery email, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey instead of the new phone number because Microsoft is phasing out SMS and the phone option may no longer be available.^1^

    If you can still sign in

    1. Open the Microsoft account Security page:
      https://account.microsoft.com/security
    2. Select Manage how I sign in.
    3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
    4. Add one or more available methods:
      • Recovery email
      • Microsoft Authenticator
      • Passkey, using your device’s face, fingerprint, or PIN
    5. Complete the verification prompt and confirm the new method appears in your account.

    The absence of an Add phone number option is expected for affected personal accounts, not necessarily an account error.^2^

    Add at least two methods if possible—for example, Authenticator plus a recovery email—so losing one device does not lock you out.

    If you cannot pass verification

    If deleting the old number left you with no accessible security method:

    1. Start signing in to your Microsoft account.
    2. At Verify your identity, select I don’t have any of these.
    3. Follow the prompts to replace your security information.
    4. After replacement, Microsoft requires a 30-day waiting period before you can sign in with the new security information.^3^

    Microsoft Support cannot send verification codes or directly change protected account details. If the recovery flow does not appear, use the sign-in helper or Contact Microsoft Support from the troubleshooting page.^3^

    If this is a work or school Microsoft 365 account

    The personal-account SMS phase-out instructions do not necessarily apply. Verification methods for organizational accounts are controlled by the organization’s security policies. Open office.com → account manager → View account → Update info and add an allowed method. If the phone option is unavailable or no registered method remains accessible, contact the organization’s IT administrator.^4^

    References

    1. Microsoft to stop sending SMS codes for personal accounts
    2. Microsoft account security info & verification codes | Microsoft Support
    3. Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
    4. Set up multifactor authentication for your Microsoft 365 account | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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