How to Change Your Phone Number on a Microsoft Account

In today’s digital age, keeping your Microsoft account information up-to-date is crucial. One essential detail is your phone number. Whether you’ve switched carriers, moved to a new country, or simply got a new number, updating this information ensures seamless access and security. Let’s dive into the steps to change your phone number on your Microsoft account.

Why Updating Your Phone Number Matters

Your phone number isn’t just a contact detail it’s a key component of your account’s security. Microsoft uses it for:

• Two-step verification: Adding an extra layer of protection to your account.
• Password recovery: Sending codes to reset your password if needed.
• Account alerts: Notifying you of any suspicious activity.

By keeping your phone number current, you ensure these security measures function effectively.

Steps to Update Your Phone Number

1. Sign in to Your Microsoft Account:
   • Navigate to the Microsoft account sign-in page.
   • Enter your credentials to access your account dashboard.
2. Access Security Settings:
   • Once signed in, click on the “Security” tab.
   • Under the “Security basics” section, select “Update info”.
3. Add Your New Phone Number:
   • In the “Security info” section, choose “Add security info”.
   • Select “A phone number” from the dropdown.
   • Enter your new phone number and specify if you want to receive a text or a call for verification.
   • Click “Next” to proceed.
4. Verify Your New Number:
   • Microsoft will send a verification code to the new number.
   • Enter the received code in the provided field.
   • Click “Next” to confirm.
5. Remove the Old Phone Number:
   • After adding and verifying the new number, locate your old number in the “Security info” section.
   • Click “Remove” next to the outdated number.
   • Confirm the removal when prompted.

Important: Always add and verify your new phone number before removing the old one. This ensures continuous access to your account without any interruptions.

Common Issues and Solutions

• “This phone number has already been taken” Error:
  • This message indicates that the phone number is associated with another Microsoft account. To resolve this:
    • Sign in to the account currently linked to the number.
    • Remove the number from that account.
    • Sign out and then sign in to your primary account to add the number.
  • For detailed guidance, refer to Microsoft’s support page on this issue.
    Microsoft Support
• Verification Code Not Received:
  • Ensure that your phone can receive SMS or calls.
  • Check for any network issues or spam filters that might block the message.
  • If problems persist, contact Microsoft Support for assistance.

Regularly updating your Microsoft account’s security information, especially your phone number, is vital for maintaining account security and accessibility. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your account remains protected and that you receive timely notifications about any account activities.

Stay proactive about your digital security – it’s always better to be safe than sorry!