Microsoft365 does not show "add phone number" on my profile management page

Enrique Chi 0 Reputation points
2026-11-03T16:42:50.0433333+00:00

I have changed my phone number. When I go to the "Manage how you sign in to your account" on my profile, I see the option to remove my old number (which I stupidly did), but there is no option to "Add phone number", although the help documentation says that it should be there. What gives?

I see the "add email" option, but that simply lets me create a new email address on Outlook.

How can I add a phone number now? Please help!

Side note: Why does Microsoft make this so complicated?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | Other | Other
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  1. EmilyS726 277.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-03T17:16:13.5+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. Ron Barker 2,325 Reputation points
    2026-11-03T17:12:19.81+00:00

    Hi, Microsoft is attempting to stop people using telephone numbers to sign in. My personal opinion this is because people are always loosing access to their phone. Microsoft is pushing people to use biometrics. fingerprints etc.

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