Email without a so-called smartphone

For a personal Outlook.com account, access does not have to depend on SMS.

Supported alternatives are:

1. Add a verified email as security info.
   • Go to the Security basics page.
   • Select Advanced security options > Get started.
   • Add another email address or another verification method.
   • Enter the security code sent to that method, then select Next.
2. Set up Microsoft Authenticator.
   • Microsoft recommends the Microsoft Authenticator app as an alternative to text-message codes.
   • It can generate security codes.
3. Use a passkey.
   • Microsoft is phasing out SMS for personal Microsoft accounts and recommends passkeys and verified email instead.
   • Passkeys use the device’s built-in sign-in method, such as PIN, fingerprint, or face sign-in.
4. On a frequently used device, mark it as trusted.
   • Go to the Security settings page.
   • Sign in and complete the security code check.
   • Select I sign in frequently on this device. Don't ask me for a code.
   • Select Submit.
5. Keep more than one recovery method.
   • If one method is unavailable, another can still be used.
   • Avoid relying on only one email address or one phone number.

Important limits:

• If all security info is lost but the password is still known, replacement security info can be added, but sign-in is blocked for 30 days after replacing all security info.
• VOIP numbers cannot be used to receive Microsoft verification codes.
• Repeated code requests can trigger a temporary block on code delivery.

About “tag”:

• A tag is just a label used to show which product or topic a question is about, such as Outlook.com or Outlook Web.

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