MFA & Verification Issues

How to View or Add an Authenticator Phone Number in Microsoft 365

Khadija Khan Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to view the phone number associated with their Microsoft Authenticator app in Microsoft 365 security settings.

How to View an Authenticator Phone Number in Microsoft 365 Security Info

Product: Microsoft 365 Security Info
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing and managing multi-factor authentication methods within Microsoft 365 account settings.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Authenticator is listed as an app-based verification method but does not display any associated phone number.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials on hand, and that you currently have a secure internet connection to access the My Sign-Ins portal.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Authentication Methods and Add a Backup Phone Number

Because Microsoft treats app-based authentication and phone verification as entirely separate methods, you will need to manually add a phone number to your security info if you want to use it for SMS or voice call verification.

The Microsoft Authenticator app uses internet-based push notifications or time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) to verify your identity. It does not rely on your cellular network or phone number to function.

To ensure you are never locked out of your account, it is highly recommended to add a phone number as a secondary verification method.

Sign in to Security Info

Navigate to the Microsoft My Account portal in your web browser and click on 'Security info' in the left-hand menu.

Review current methods

Look at your registered sign-in methods. You will see 'Microsoft Authenticator' listed, but it will not show a phone number since it is classified as an app-based method.

Add a new phone method

Click the '+ Add method' button at the top of the list. From the dropdown menu, select 'Phone' and click 'Add'.

Verify the phone number

Enter your phone number, choose whether you want to receive a text message or a phone call, and input the verification code Microsoft sends you to finalize adding the number.

Review Authentication Methods and Add a Backup Phone Number

Independent Verification: Adding a phone number does not link it to the Authenticator app; rather, it gives you an alternative way to receive multi-factor authentication prompts if the app is unavailable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Microsoft Authenticator show my phone number?

Microsoft Authenticator is an app-based verification method that relies on internet connectivity to send push notifications or generate codes. It operates entirely independently of SMS or voice call verification, which is why it does not display or require a phone number in your security settings.

Can I use the same phone number for multiple Microsoft 365 accounts?

Yes, you can register the same phone number for multi-factor authentication on several different Microsoft 365 accounts. However, you will need to verify ownership via SMS or call for each individual account you link it to.

What happens if I lose access to the Microsoft Authenticator app?

If you lose your device or accidentally delete the app, you will need an alternative way to sign in. This is exactly why it is recommended to add a phone number or alternate email as a backup verification method in your Microsoft 365 Security Info.

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