Hello, I would like to change my backup email, because the one I have I do not have access to. But when I try to change it, it asks to verify my identity by sending a verification email.

Question

Hello, I would like to change my backup email, because the one I have I do not have access to. But when I try to change it, it asks to verify my identity by sending a verification email to my old backup email. It also won't allow me to add my phone number because of the same reason.

Answer 1

Hello,

On the page asking for the code, 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. You can read more about it directly from Microsoft 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.

Answer 2

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

If you no longer have access to the alternate security contact methods, such as recovery phone number or email address, you will have to replace them.

That is, on the Verify Your Identity screen, select "I don't have any of these" and follow the prompts to replace the Security information.

Remember to use a familiar device that you’ve frequently used to access your Microsoft account, as well as a familiar location. You will only be able to replace the security information after answering all the security questions from Microsoft on the recovery form.

Note - If you remove all of your previous security information and replace it with something new, your account will be put into the restricted state for 30 days.

There are no alternative methods to replace the security information.

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