Add Phone Number is not an option.

Shepard 1 0 Reputation points
2026-08-21T16:04:23.0966667+00:00

I had deleted the phone number on this account and wanted to add a different phone number, but the option to do so is not available, please help.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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Bulldog 4,465 Reputation points
2026-08-21T16:14:50.8633333+00:00

" ... the option to do so is not available ... "

Correct. Microsoft no longer accepts telephone numbers as security identifiers. Authentication by SMS is no longer secure.

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  1. TaoLi 111.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-21T16:42:09.7166667+00:00

    Hello,

    Microsoft's account security policies have been updated; for many accounts, the "Add Phone Number" option is no longer available after a phone number has been removed. Here is the solution:

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

    There, you can add an alternate email address, the Authenticator app, or a security key as a verification method.

    For official information, please refer to:

    态https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-account-security-info-verification-codes#:%7E:text=The%20option%20to%20add%20a%20new%20phone%20number%20may%20not%20be%20available%20for%20your%20Microsoft%20account.

    In short: Microsoft recommends using the Authenticator app or an alternate email address to ensure account security.

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