Add Phone Number to Account

Question

I want to add my phone number to my micrsoft account. I went to my profile settings, tapped the "Edit Account Info" but there is no button to add a phone number only to add an email. What do I need to do?

Answer 1

Hi,

Microsoft has updated its account security system, and for improved account protection, phone numbers can no longer be added as a new sign-in verification method. Instead, Microsoft now recommends using a recovery email address, the Microsoft Authenticator app, or a passkey/security key as your primary methods for account security and recovery.

To manage or add your security information, please sign in using the link below:

https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage

Once signed in, click “Add another way to sign in or verify” and choose your preferred recovery method. Using the Microsoft Authenticator app or a recovery email is highly recommended because they provide stronger security and can help you recover your account more easily if you ever lose access in the future.

You can find more information in Microsoft’s official support article here:

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

Answer 2

For a personal Microsoft account, phone numbers can no longer be added as a new security method for sign-in verification. That is why the option may be missing and only Add email appears.

What can still be done:

1. Go to Security at https://account.microsoft.com/security.
2. Select Manage how I sign in.
3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
4. Add one of the supported methods:
   • an email address
   • Microsoft Authenticator
   • a passkey

If the goal is to add a phone number as an account alias for sign-in, Microsoft’s account alias pages still describe using Edit account info to choose Add phone number when that option is available. They also note that VOIP numbers cannot be added.

If Add phone number does not appear on Edit account info, the supported fallback in current Microsoft account security guidance is to use email, Authenticator, or a passkey instead.

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References:

• Microsoft account security info & verification codes
• How to add an email address or phone number to your Microsoft account
• Change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account