my account info

monira abuawadeh 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T18:58:42.16+00:00

I was trying to update my phone number on my account and ended up changing my email because it kept asking for a verification code that was being sent to the number i no longer have access to. What do i do ????

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
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  1. EmilyS726 267.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T19:32:02.6933333+00:00

    For personal Microsoft accounts, Microsoft now says you can no longer add a phone number as a new security method. This method is being phased out. See official document here.

    https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/manage/microsoft-to-stop-sending-sms-codes-for-personal-accounts

    Are you hoping to update the contact method to receive the 2FA verification?

    If so, you go to https://account.live.com > Security > Manage how I sign in. And you will need to use email, the authentication app, or passkey.

    If you need to verify your Bing Reward, The supported alternative to entering a phone number is QR-code verification through the Bing mobile app. Microsoft officially identifies this as an alternative to SMS, and users have successfully redeemed rewards with it when SMS verification failed. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/rewards/use-qr-code-verification-to-redeem-microsoft-rewards

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-15T18:58:58.4233333+00:00

    If this is a personal Microsoft account and the old phone number is still being used for verification, the next step depends on whether access to any existing sign-in method remains.

    1. Try the Sign-in Helper first to identify the account issue and get the recommended recovery path.
    2. If sign-in reaches Verify your identity and the old phone number is the only option, select I don't have any of these.
    3. Follow the prompts to replace the security info.
    4. If all security info is being replaced, there is a 30-day wait before sign-in is available again.
    5. If the password is also not available and there is no access to any security info, use the account recovery form.

    If access to the account is still available with another method, update the sign-in methods directly:

    1. Go to the Microsoft account Security page.
    2. Select Manage how I sign in.
    3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
    4. Add a new verification method that is available for the account.
    5. After the new method is confirmed, remove the old phone number or outdated security method.

    Important:

    • Do not change all security info at the same time. That can cause the account to be restricted for 30 days.
    • Verification codes sent by email can only go to the primary alias or another email already added as a way to verify sign in.
    • The option to add a new phone number may not appear for some personal Microsoft accounts. Available methods may instead include a recovery email, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey.
    • Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes or directly change account details.

    If the issue is that the email address was changed while trying to fix sign-in, aliases can be managed from Edit account info when account access is available.


    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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