webpage doesn't allow adding phone number

Arlene Imagawa 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T22:35:00.99+00:00

I removed my landline phone number from my account. Now when I try to add my cell phone, the webpage (Your Info > Account Info > Edit account info) doesn't present an "Add phone number" option.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
0 comments No comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. EmilyS_726 30,350 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-05T03:24:29.88+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

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments

  2. Gérard Oomens 132.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-04T23:02:58.92+00:00

    Have a look at:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-security-info-verification-codes

    Note

    The option to add a new phone number may not be available for your Microsoft account. You may only see options such as a recovery email address, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey when adding new sign-in or verification methods. Learn more about phasing out SMS as a method of authentication and account recovery.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.