Fix Cannot Add Phone Number or Security Key to Microsoft Account
Question details
The user is unable to add a phone number or a security key to their Microsoft account because the required verification text message is never received.
- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to update security information or set up two-factor authentication on a Microsoft account.
- Observed behavior
- Verification SMS codes fail to arrive despite the correct phone digits being displayed. Additionally, canceling the update process may trigger an unexpected 30-day waiting period for security changes.
Ensure your mobile device has a stable cellular connection and that your carrier plan allows receiving automated short-code SMS messages.
Use an Alternative Verification Method
Bypass the SMS issue by using a backup email address or an authenticator app to verify your identity before adding new security info.
If the primary phone number fails to receive texts, Microsoft allows you to verify your identity using secondary methods registered to your account. This is the fastest way to regain access to your security settings.
Navigate to the Microsoft Account security page and enter your login credentials.
When prompted to verify your identity, click on 'Show more verification methods' or 'I don't have any of these'.
Select a previously added backup email address or use an authenticator app to receive the security code.
Once verified, proceed to the 'Advanced security options' menu to add your new phone number or register your security key.
Unblock Short-Code SMS with Your Mobile Carrier
Resolve issues where your mobile carrier automatically filters out automated verification codes from Microsoft.
Manage the 30-Day Security Info Hold
Understand and navigate the mandatory 30-day waiting period triggered by replacing all account security information.
Experience Hassle-Free Productivity with WPS Office
If Microsoft account security issues are keeping you from accessing your important documents, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and incredibly user-friendly alternative that doesn't restrict your local workflow with complex online account verifications.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the quick, straightforward setup wizard.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files without needing complicated cloud logins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the verification text message from Microsoft not arriving?
This commonly happens if your mobile carrier blocks automated short-code SMS messages, if your phone has a poor cellular network connection, or if your messaging app has inadvertently filtered the text into a spam folder.
What is the Microsoft 30-day security info replacement waiting period?
When you remove all old security verification methods and add new ones, Microsoft restricts sensitive account changes for 30 days. This protective measure gives the original account owner time to cancel the change if it was initiated by an unauthorized user.
Can I bypass the 30-day wait for Microsoft account changes?
You can only bypass the 30-day hold if you locate and successfully authenticate with one of your original, pre-existing security methods (such as an old phone number or backup email). Otherwise, the waiting period cannot be expedited.
How do I add a physical security key to my Microsoft account?
Once you can successfully verify your identity, go to your Microsoft account Security page, select 'Advanced security options', click 'Add a new way to sign in or verify', choose 'Use a security key', and follow the prompts to insert and register your USB or NFC key.
