MFA & Verification Issues

How to Update the Phone Number Used for Microsoft MFA

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to replace their current phone number used for Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) with a new number.

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating account security and verification information.
Observed behavior: The user wants to change their active MFA phone number so they can receive sign-in verification codes on their new device.

Before you start

Confirm whether you are using a personal Microsoft account or a Work/School account, as the steps to update your authentication methods are entirely different.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the MFA Phone Number for a Personal Microsoft Account

Use this method if you are managing a standard personal account, such as an Outlook.com, Hotmail, or Xbox account.

Personal Microsoft accounts allow you to independently manage your security information. You must have access to your account and at least one current verification method to make these changes instantly.

Sign in to your Microsoft account

Navigate to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your email and password.

Access security settings

Click on the 'Security' tab at the top of the page, then select 'Advanced security options' on the dashboard.

Remove the old phone number

Scroll down to 'Ways to prove who you are', locate your existing phone number, click to expand it, and select 'Remove'.

Add the new phone number

Click 'Add a new way to sign in or verify', select 'Show more options' if necessary, and choose 'Text a code'. Enter your new phone number and verify it using the SMS code sent to your device.

Account Recovery: If you completely lost access to your old phone number and have no other verification methods, select 'I don't have any of these' during sign-in to begin the 30-day account recovery process.

Solution 2

Update the MFA Phone Number for a Business or Education Account

Follow these steps if your Microsoft 365 account is managed by your company or school.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I change my MFA phone number but don't have access to the old one?

If you do not have an alternate verification method (like an authenticator app or backup email) for a personal account, you will need to trigger the Microsoft account recovery process, which takes 30 days to clear the old security info. For work/school accounts, ask your IT admin to reset your MFA settings.

Can I have multiple phone numbers registered for Microsoft MFA?

Yes. Microsoft highly recommends adding multiple authentication methods. You can add a secondary phone number, an authenticator app, and an alternative email address so you have backup options if one method is unavailable.

Why am I not receiving the verification code on my new phone number?

This usually happens due to network delays, incorrect country codes, or your mobile carrier blocking automated shortcodes. Verify that the number was entered correctly, ensure you have cellular reception, or opt to receive an automated voice call instead of a text message.

Login & Account Issues