Password & Account Recovery

How to Update Microsoft Account Security Info Without Old Phone

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to update their Microsoft account security details (email and phone number) but cannot complete the verification because they no longer have access to their old phone.

How to Update Microsoft Account Security Information Without Your Old Phone

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to remove obsolete phone numbers and email addresses from a Microsoft account after recently recovering it or changing the password.
Observed behavior: The system persistently prompts for identity verification using the old, inaccessible phone number, preventing the user from adding new security information.

Before you start

Ensure you have a secondary active email address or a new mobile phone number ready to add as your new security verification method once access is granted.

Solution 1Recommended

Bypass Old Verification Using the Account Recovery Form

If you cannot verify your identity using your old phone number, you must use the Microsoft account recovery process to declare that you no longer have access to those methods.

Account recovery and password changes do not automatically remove old security information. To update these details, you must explicitly tell Microsoft that your old methods are obsolete.

Access the verification screen

Sign in to your Microsoft account. When prompted to verify your identity with your old phone number or email, select the option that says 'I don't have any of these'.

Submit the recovery form

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account recovery form. Provide an accessible, alternate email address where Microsoft can reach you with the recovery results.

Add new security information

Once your recovery request is accepted and access is restored, navigate to your account's Security settings page. Add your new email address and mobile number, and follow the prompts to confirm them.

Remove obsolete information

After confirming your new security methods, locate your old phone number and email address in the list and click 'Remove' to delete them from your account.

Bypass Old Verification Using the Account Recovery Form

30-Day Waiting Period: When you replace all of your security information, Microsoft imposes a standard 30-day waiting period to protect your account from unauthorized takeovers. You can still use your account normally during this time.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Account Support

If you receive an error like 'You can't do that again' or remain stuck in a verification loop after a successful recovery, escalating to Microsoft support is necessary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft still ask for my old phone number after a password change?

Changing your password does not automatically update or remove your security information. Microsoft keeps your old phone number on file as a secondary verification method to prevent unauthorized users from locking you out of your account.

How long does it take for new Microsoft account security information to update?

If you are replacing all of your existing security information because you lost access to it, Microsoft requires a 30-day waiting period. This is a strict security measure designed to give the legitimate owner time to cancel the request if a hacker is trying to take over the account.

Can I recover my Microsoft account if I lose access to both my email and phone?

Yes. You can initiate the account recovery process by selecting 'I don't have any of these' on the verification screen. You will need to fill out a detailed recovery form to prove your identity, which will then allow you to update your contact methods.

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