How to change phone number in Account Info section

Chuck Minarik 20 Reputation points
2026-07-02T19:32:42.2533333+00:00

Someone is trying to sign on with my Microsoft account...I keep getting popups on my (old) phone and I click "Deny".

I also have a new phone number, but am hanging on to my old phone until I get logon issues resolved with a number of sites, including Microsoft. There is no way on the Microsoft Account Info screen to enter a new Phone Number. There is no "Add new number" link anywhere. I removed my old phone number, but as I said, there is no way to replace it.

There is a "Phone linked to PC" number that contains my old phone number, but I don't want to Remove it unless I can be sure I'll be able to enter a new one.

I can't believe there is no way to enter a new phone number. Does Microsoft not use phone numbers anymore?

Please help!

TIA...Chuck

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Estrella721 45,305 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-02T20:11:47.2566667+00:00

Hi,

Microsoft has updated its account security system, and for improved account protection, phone numbers can no longer be added as a new sign-in verification method. Instead, Microsoft now recommends using a recovery email address, the Microsoft Authenticator app, or a passkey/security key as your primary methods for account security and recovery.

To manage or add your security information, please sign in using the link below:

https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage

Once signed in, click “Add another way to sign in or verify” and choose your preferred recovery method. Using the Microsoft Authenticator app or a recovery email is highly recommended because they provide stronger security and can help you recover your account more easily if you ever lose access in the future.

You can find more information in Microsoft’s official support article here:

https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/microsoft-account-security-info-verification-codes-bf2505ca-cae5-c5b4-77d1-69d3343a5452

Update on Phone number

For now, since there have been multiple sign in attempts, make sure to keep your Microsoft account secure:

https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/how-to-help-keep-your-microsoft-account-secure-628538c2-7006-33bb-5ef4-c917657362b9

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  1. Estrella721 45,305 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-02T21:47:46.21+00:00

    Since you're adding Microsoft Authenticator from the Security info page, it should display a QR code for you to scan, not ask you to approve a number in the app.

    If it's immediately asking you to select a number even though Authenticator has not been added yet, that suggests something isn't working correctly with the setup.

    At this point, I'd recommend trying the setup in an InPrivate/Incognito browser window or a different browser and let me know the result.

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  2. Chuck Minarik 20 Reputation points
    2026-07-02T20:38:09.3433333+00:00

    When I try to setup the Authenticator app, it asks me to select a number...in the authenticator app...but that's what I'm trying to set up.

    What am I missing?

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