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I cannot add a phone number to my account.

Jeanne Knight 0 Reputation points
2026-05-17T00:07:13.6566667+00:00

When I try to edit it only shows my email account grayed out to remove. How can I add my phone number?

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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  1. Estrella721 39,120 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-17T01:02:22.5066667+00:00

    I mean AI, sorry.

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  2. Estrella721 39,120 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-17T01:00:52.7166667+00:00

    Hi,

    The AI is correct. However, please note that phone numbers are no longer available to add as a sign-in or verification method for Microsoft accounts.

    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

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  3. AI answer

    2026-05-17T00:07:37.23+00:00

    To add a phone number, the change must be done on the Microsoft account management page, not inside Windows settings alone.

    1. Go to the Manage how you sign in to Microsoft page: https://account.live.com/names/manage and sign in.
    2. On the Your info / How you sign in page, look for options under your aliases.
    3. Select Add phone number.
    4. Follow the prompts to enter and verify the phone number (a code will be sent by SMS).
    5. After verification, the phone number will appear as an alias on the account.

    If only a grayed-out email with a Remove option is shown and no Add phone number button appears, the account is likely already at the required minimum for sign-in, or the page is not fully loading. In that case:

    • Make sure to use a supported browser and refresh the page.
    • Check again for Add phone number or Add email options on the same page.

    If the phone number is already associated with another Microsoft account, an error such as “This phone number has already been taken” will appear. To move that number to this account:

    1. Sign in to the other Microsoft account that currently uses the phone number at https://account.live.com/names/manage.
    2. Next to that phone number, select Remove.
      • The phone number can only be removed if that account has another username/alias. It is recommended to have at least two contact methods on the account.
    3. Sign out of that account.
    4. Sign back in to the account where the phone number is needed at https://account.live.com/names/manage.
    5. Select Add phone number and complete verification.

    After this, the phone number should be available on the desired account.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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