MFA & Verification Issues

How to Add Phone or Email Authentication Methods in Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to add a phone number or email address as an authentication method for their Microsoft 365 accounts but find the options unavailable or restricted.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) or self-service password reset (SSPR) for a work or school account.
Observed behavior: Users cannot add phone or email verification methods because these options are controlled and restricted by the organization's Microsoft Entra administrator.

Before you start

Verify whether your Microsoft 365 account is managed by an organization or school, as standard users cannot override enterprise security policies.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Your Administrator to Enable Authentication Policies

Since these settings are organizationally controlled, a Microsoft Entra administrator must enable the specific methods in the admin center.

Microsoft 365 relies on Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) for identity management. If an authentication method like SMS, voice call, or email is missing for end-users, it must be explicitly enabled by an IT administrator.

Sign in to the Admin Center

The administrator must sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center as at least an Authentication Policy Administrator.

Navigate to Authentication Policies

Go to the left-hand navigation menu and select Protection, then click on Authentication methods, and choose Policies.

Enable Specific Methods

Select the desired method (such as Email or Phone) and toggle the status to 'Enable'. Configure the policy to apply to all users or specific security groups.

Configure Combined Registration

Ensure that combined security information registration is enabled so that users can manage both their multi-factor authentication and self-service password reset methods in one unified portal.

For Standard Users: You cannot perform these steps yourself. Please reach out to your company's IT helpdesk or system administrator to request that phone or email authentication methods be enabled for your account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the option to add a phone number missing in my Microsoft 365 security info?

Your organization's IT administrator manages security settings via Microsoft Entra. If they have disabled SMS or voice call authentication in the organizational policy, the phone option will not appear for you.

Can I bypass my organization's authentication policy to add a personal email?

No, standard users cannot override enterprise authentication policies. You must contact your IT helpdesk to request permission or policy changes.

What is combined security information registration in Microsoft 365?

It is a Microsoft feature that allows users to register their security information (like phone numbers or Microsoft Authenticator) just once for both Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR).

How do I find out who my Microsoft Entra administrator is?

Your Microsoft Entra administrator is usually your company's IT department, internal helpdesk, or the specific person who provided you with your Microsoft 365 work or school email credentials.

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