MFA & Verification Issues

Fix SharePoint Link Sending Authentication Codes to Old Phone Number

WPS Editor Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

A user is receiving SharePoint external collaboration SMS authentication codes to an outdated phone number, despite their new number working for local Microsoft 365 sign-ins.

How to Fix SharePoint Links Sending Authentication Codes to an Old Phone Number

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing an external SharePoint collaboration link provided by a partner organization.
Observed behavior: The SMS authentication code is sent to an old phone number instead of the newly updated number that works for local sign-ins.

Before you start

Verify that your phone number is correctly updated in your home Microsoft 365 tenant's security info settings and that you can receive MFA codes for local applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Request the External Organization to Update Your Authentication Details

External SharePoint links rely on the external organization's directory, which retains your old contact information.

When you are invited to collaborate on an external SharePoint site, your profile is created as a Guest in their Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). This profile does not automatically sync with your home organization's updated phone number.

Contact the inviter

Reach out to the person from the external organization who originally shared the SharePoint link with you.

Request IT admin assistance

Ask them to contact their internal IT support or Microsoft 365 administrator regarding your guest account.

Update guest account info

Instruct the administrator to locate your guest account in their Microsoft Entra ID and update the authentication contact info, or reset your MFA methods.

Request the External Organization to Update Your Authentication Details

Guest Account Resets: Sometimes the quickest fix is for the external admin to delete your guest account and re-invite you, which will prompt you to set up your current phone number upon accepting the new invitation.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft 365 Support

If the external partner cannot resolve the directory syncing issue within their tenant, technical support may be required.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Collaborate Smoothly with WPS Office

While resolving Microsoft 365 tenant and SharePoint external sharing MFA issues can be complex and time-consuming, WPS Office offers a straightforward, free, and highly compatible alternative for document creation and sharing without enterprise identity hurdles.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
3. Open and Share Files: Launch WPS Office, open any Microsoft Office document with full compatibility, and use built-in sharing features seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight and fast, requiring minimal system resources for smooth operation.Easy and intuitive document sharing capabilities without complex tenant MFA conflicts.Familiar user interface makes switching completely seamless and requires no retraining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook use my new number but SharePoint uses the old one?

Outlook and local Microsoft 365 applications authenticate against your home organization's directory. External SharePoint links authenticate against the external organization's directory, which still has your old phone number cached in its guest records.

Can I update my external guest phone number myself?

Generally, no. Guest users usually do not have the permissions to change their MFA details or security info in another organization's tenant directory. You must ask their IT admin to update it for you.

What if I no longer have access to the old phone number at all?

You will not be able to access the shared SharePoint link until the external organization's IT administrator resets your MFA methods or updates the phone number directly in their Microsoft Entra ID.

Login & Account Issues