Help, please, changing primary alias for 365

Question

Hi. I realise that my primary alias for Microsoft 365 is an old email address which no longer exists. However, attempting to add a new alias has so far failed (I've tried an @gmail.com one and an @yahoo.co.uk one.. Message I receive with both, when attempting, is "can't use- already exists" - or words to that effect).

I tried adding my phone number as a new alias instead - and it DOES show up on Account Info as being accepted (suggesting that phone numbers are s suitable alias alternative to email addresses). However when then trying to delete the (redundant) primary alias, I'm told it is still the only alias registered (even though the other one - the phone number - is showing up as being registered).

Compounding this, since my alias is a now-redundant email address, if that is also being used by Microsoft for communications (eg about subscription renewal), I will not receive them.

How can we resolve this?

Thanks, Kevin

Answer 1

My deep apologies Diane for such a long delay. I really appreciate your help. However, pressing family matters arose, forcing me to abandon this for several days ..then we've been away .. only now getting back. With such a delay, I can't recall where I got to, or what the exact issue was!. (I know it was not straightforward). Will look at this afresh another day and, once I have fresh clarity, and start a new query if I can't resolve myself. My best wishes, Kevin

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Diane and will be happy to help you today.

However when then trying to delete the (redundant) primary alias, I'm told it is still the only alias registered (even though the other one - the phone number - is showing up as being registered). << You need an email address, not just phone #.

Were either of those addresses added to the Microsoft account before? Although it should not matter if the account was closed.

Enter the gmail and yahoo addresses here - https://account.live.com/username/recover does it find any accounts linked to them?

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

-- Diane

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