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How to change my phone number currently listed on file

Robert Klugman 0 Reputation points
2026-05-04T22:12:18.6066667+00:00

My current phone number is a landline and cannot receive codes by text. When I try to update my profile, it attempts to send a text to my landline, which does not work. How can I update my account with my cellphone number which can receive texts, and will allow me to edit items in my profile if needed?

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. Winnie-B 7,600 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-05T03:20:21.7+00:00

    Hi Robert Klugman

    I understand how frustrating it is when the verification keeps going to a landline that can’t receive text codes.

    Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, could you please confirm a few details:

    1. What verification options are currently shown when you try to update your phone number? Is it only the landline, or do you see an option like an email or Authenticator app?
    2. Are you able to sign in normally to your Microsoft account, or are you being blocked at the verification step
    3. When updating your info, do you see a “Try another way to verify” option?
    4. Have you previously added any alternate security info (such as a backup email or another phone number)?

    Looking forward to your update so I can assist you further. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-05-04T22:12:38.3133333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To update the phone number on the Microsoft account so it can receive text verification codes, first add the mobile number as a new phone alias, then remove or stop using the landline.

    1. Go to the Microsoft account info page and sign in: https://account.live.com/names/manage (this opens Your info for the account).
    2. Under account info, choose Add phone number.
    3. Enter the mobile (cell) number that can receive SMS and follow the prompts to verify it (a code will be sent to that mobile).
    4. After the mobile number is added and verified, return to the same page and, if desired, select Remove next to the old landline number so it is no longer used.

    Once the mobile number is added and verified as security info, Microsoft will send verification codes to that mobile instead of the landline when editing profile or security settings.

    If the system shows an error like “We cannot send a text message to this number,” ensure the number is a true mobile (not VOIP or landline). VOIP numbers cannot be used for verification codes.

    If SMS delivery still fails, use an alternate verification method (email alias) to sign in and complete the phone update, or switch to Microsoft Authenticator as a more reliable method for verification instead of SMS.

    References:

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