Cannot change 'Text a code' contact number for email log in.

Question

Used recommended route to add a new phone number for 2FA email log in. Under additional methods no ability to add new number. Unable to replace old defunct number so deleted it - now cannot add any contact number on my log in security. Cannot verify who I am so locked out of outlook emails on Laptop.

Can anyone help?

Answer 1

@Redroser said

Under additional methods no ability to add new number. Unable to replace old defunct number so deleted it - now cannot add any contact number on my log in security

Microsoft changed the rules. You can no longer add a phone number as an additional verification method.

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

Microsoft is committed to advancing security standards and as such, we will start phasing out SMS as a method of authentication and account recovery for personal Microsoft accounts.

If you have a phone number on your account you can continue to use it. But if you delete it, you can't add it back or add a different number.

now cannot add any contact number on my log in security. Cannot verify who I am so locked out of outlook emails on Laptop.

You didn't have any other verification methods (e.g. email, Authenticator, Passkey) except Password and Phone? If so, and you removed the phone number and have 2FA enabled, you are in a pickle.

What does the Account Sign-In Helper say about the status of your account?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/i-can-t-sign-in-to-my-microsoft-account-475c9b5c-8c25-49f1-9c2d-c64b7072e735

If you have 2FA enabled on your account then you can't use the Account Recovery Process.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form-b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

And there is no other way, that I know of, to get back into your account.

Answer 2

Hello,

When adding security information, you can register only one phone number.

So if the option to add a phone number does not appear, you will need to add a newly created email address or add an authentication app such as Microsoft Authenticator.

Microsoft account security info & verification codes

Also, if you delete all of your old security information before adding new ones, a 30‑day waiting period will be triggered.
What does “Security info change is still pending” mean?