Phone number missing from account profile

Ray Roberts 0 Reputation points
2026-11-07T17:42:06.8166667+00:00

No phone number is listed on my account, thus I cannot receive verification codes when signing in with my password

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-07T17:42:42.7066667+00:00

    If no usable verification method appears during sign-in, select I don’t have any of these, replace the account’s security information, and complete the required 30-day waiting period.

    If you cannot sign in

    1. Start signing in to the Microsoft account with the Outlook.com address and password.
    2. At Verify your identity, select I don’t have any of these.
    3. Follow the prompts to provide new security information that you can access.
    4. After the replacement is submitted, Microsoft requires a 30-day wait before that new security information can be used to sign in. Using the old security information during that period cancels the replacement request.^1^

    Microsoft Support agents cannot manually add a phone number, send a verification code, or change account details on your behalf.

    If you can access the account another way

    The phone number shown in a general account profile is not necessarily a sign-in verification method. Add security methods from the account’s Security area:

    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. Add one or more available methods, such as:
      • Recovery email
      • Microsoft Authenticator
      • Passkey
      • Mobile number, if that option is offered
    5. Complete the confirmation prompt. The new method should then appear during future verification requests.^2^

    The option to add a phone number may not appear for every personal Microsoft account. Microsoft is phasing out SMS authentication and recovery, so some accounts are offered verified email, Authenticator, or passkeys instead.^3^

    Add at least two methods when access is restored—for example, a recovery email plus Authenticator or a passkey—so account recovery does not depend on one device.

    If a listed method should work but no code arrives

    Avoid repeatedly requesting codes because excessive requests can trigger a temporary block. Try another listed verification method; if none works, wait at least a day before another attempt. Also note that VoIP numbers cannot be used to receive Microsoft verification codes.^1^

    References

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

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  2. Bruce (SqlWork.com) 85,786 Reputation points
    2026-11-07T17:50:41.6733333+00:00

    Microsoft is retiring sms as a multifactor authentication method next year. As a first step, adding a new phone number is disabled, so if don’t already have a sms number registered you can not use the service. It recommended to use passkeys instead.

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  3. EmilyS726 278.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-07T18:17:33.9766667+00:00

    Are you currently trying to sign in but you cannot receive the 2FA code?

    If so, look for an option like “Show more verification methods” to see if you have a backup (e.g., a phone number or alternate email).

    If you don’t have access to any of the options listed, select “I don’t have any of these.” This will begin the recovery process. As part of that process, Microsoft will let you add new contact information — but only after a 30-day waiting period.

    This 30-day delay is intentional. It’s a security safeguard designed to protect users in case someone else tries to hijack their account by changing recovery info. The wait gives the rightful owner time to notice and stop unauthorized changes.

    Unfortunately, this policy cannot be bypassed. Microsoft explains it further here.

    https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/-your-security-info-change-is-still-pending-or-you-can-t-access-this-site-right-now-microsoft-account-message-cbd0f64f-02d9-45d2-90c3-2375e5a72e52#:~:text=While%20we%20understand%20this%2030,phone%20number%20or%20email%20address.

    ========

    However, if you can sign in, you will update it via https://account.live.com > Security > Manage how I sign in.

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    Also, just FYI - 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?

    You will need to use email, the authentication app, or passkey.

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