I need to change my phone number on account, but I do not have the old phone any longer

Question

HOW do I change my phone number on my account profile if I no longer have the old phone (which is where they are sending the "code" )??? NEED help with this...this is almost unbelievable as I have already changed this number about a year ago and somehow, Microsoft decided to go back to my old phone number.

Answer 1

To change the phone number on the Microsoft account when there is no access to the old phone, the security info on the account must be updated and the new number added as a sign-in or recovery method.

Use these steps:

1. Go to Manage how you sign in to Microsoft: https://account.live.com/names/manage and sign in with the Outlook/Microsoft account email and password.
2. Under Account alias or Security info, review the listed phone numbers and email addresses.
3. If the old phone number is still listed and there is at least one other working email or phone on the account, select Remove next to the old phone number.
4. Select Add phone number, enter the new mobile number, and follow the prompts to verify it (code will be sent to the new phone).
5. If desired, make the new number the primary alias by choosing Make primary (where available), then remove any obsolete numbers.

If the sign-in or verification code is still being sent only to the old number and no other security method works, use the account recovery flow instead of code to the old phone:

1. On the sign-in or verification screen, choose I don't have any of these (or similar option) when asked to verify using the old phone.
2. Fill out the recovery form with as much accurate information as possible so the account can be verified without the old phone.
3. Once access is restored, return to the Security info / Manage how you sign in page and remove the old number, then add and verify the new one.

If SMS codes are not arriving on the new number during setup, confirm that the number is a mobile (not VOIP), that SMS from unknown senders is not blocked, and avoid repeated code requests, as excessive attempts can cause temporary blocking of verification codes.

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References:

• How do I change or remove my phone number in Skype?
• Help with "phone number is already used" in a Microsoft account
• Change your phone number or email address in Microsoft Teams Free
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account