Phone number still linked to old Developer Program tenant – Error 40901

Question

Hello Microsoft 365 Developer Program Support Team,

I’m unable to complete registration for the Microsoft 365 Developer Program.

Details:

Error message:

“We can't continue with the signup process for the following reason: Your phone number is already associated with an existing developer account. For help with your Microsoft account, go to Microsoft account and verify your information. MS-CorrelationId: <PII: moderator: removed> Code: 40901*

I’ve already removed my phone number from my Microsoft account security info, but the issue persists.

I previously had a Developer Program tenant (<PII: moderator: removed>) that became inaccessible.

I logged a support ticket with Microsoft a few months ago because I could no longer access that tenant (case <PII: moderator: removed>).

I believe my phone number is still linked to that old tenant.

Answer 1

Dear @André Atherley,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.

Based on your description, it seems that you are encountering Error Code 40901, which indicates that your phone number is already associated with another Microsoft Developer Account, and you no longer have access to that previous account. 

Normally, you should go to https://developer.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/profile using the account that first used the phone number and choose Delete Profile if you no longer want to use this profile. In theory, this action will remove the old profile and release the phone number. After that, sign up again with your work account and verify using the same number. However, please note that even after deleting the old profile, there is typically a 60‑day waiting period before the original phone number becomes fully available for a new subscription. This is part of the program’s policy to prevent abuse.

You can see this information in the official FAQ of the Microsoft 365 Developer Program: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/developer-program/microsoft-365-developer-program-faq

Please note that as forum moderators, we cannot directly delete or modify Developer Program profiles on your behalf. If you cannot access the profile or the steps above do not work, you will need to contact Microsoft Developer Support to request deletion of the old profile and release of the phone number. Then you may wait for over 60 days to reuse that phone number according to the FAQ.

If you still want to continue with the program now, you should register with new phone number, and the official path forward is to sign up for a new Microsoft 365 Developer subscription from the official program website. Here is the official link to register for the Microsoft 365 Developer Program and request an E5 Developer subscription, please follow this link: Welcome to the Microsoft 365 Developer Program | Microsoft Learn. I understand this may not be the most convenient option, but it could help you continue with the setup process. 

In case that you want to contact Microsoft Developer Support for further assistance, please use the following link: Services Hub. Please note that this portal (Services Hub) is a paid ticket and access is subject to certain conditions, which you can review here: Services Hub sign in FAQs | Microsoft Learn (This is official support site for this program, not from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center).

I hope this information can help you to clarify it and I appreciate that you have raised your voice in this issue. Your action can help others in our community who are facing the same concern to find the correct way. 

Once again, thank you for your time and understanding in this case. 

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