I can't put my phone number

Question

I accidentally removed my phone number and cannot put it back because no button says "phone number," only email. I searched online, but I couldn't find how. The phone number is needed when redeeming Microsoft rewards

Answer 1

Hi. I'm Brian and I'll try to help.

The AI forgot to mention that Microsoft is ceasing to allow SMS text for verification purposes for personal accounts. See https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-to-stop-sending-sms-codes-for-personal-accounts. You need to use passkeys instead. While no final end date has been announced, Microsoft is actively transitioning right now so you may not longer have the option.

Answer 2

To add your phone number back so it can be used for Microsoft Rewards, add it again as an alias/security info on your Microsoft account, then use it for SMS verification when redeeming.

1. Go to the Microsoft account “how you sign in” page: Edit account info.
2. Under Your info, choose Add phone number (this option is alongside Add email).
3. Follow the prompts to add your mobile or landline number as an alias.
   • VOIP numbers cannot be added as a way to sign in or get verification codes.
4. After adding and verifying the number, sign out and sign back in to your Microsoft account.
5. Go to the Microsoft Rewards dashboard and try redeeming again. When prompted for SMS Verification, use the newly added phone number. A mobile phone or landline is required; VoIP numbers are not permitted.

If the Add phone number option still does not appear, check that you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account and that the page is fully loaded (try another browser or private/incognito mode), then revisit the same Edit account info page.

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References:

• How to add an email address or phone number to your Microsoft account
• Change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account
• Learn about Microsoft Rewards
• How to redeem Microsoft Rewards points