How to change your Microsoft phone number
To change your Microsoft phone number, go directly to account.live.com/names/manage and sign in with your existing credentials. This page lets you manage how you sign in to Microsoft, including updating the phone number used for account sign-in, security codes, and recovery after getting a new number.
Add and verify your new phone number
Once you're on the account management page, look for the section labeled "Security info" or "Account alias." Your current phone number will be listed there. Select the option to add a phone number, this is usually a button labeled "Add phone number" or a similar link. You will need to enter your current password as a security measure before updating the phone number. You'll be prompted to enter the new number. Microsoft requires you to enter the new phone number twice to confirm its accuracy. Then complete a verification process, typically by receiving a code via SMS or a phone call. Enter that code in the field provided to confirm you have access to the new number.
After you've added and verified the new number, it will appear in your list of aliases or security info. At this point, the new number is associated with your account, but it may not yet be your primary contact method. The verification step is critical because it confirms that you control the new number and prevents someone else from attaching a number they don't own to your account. The changes may not take effect immediately, as Microsoft may require additional time to validate and implement the updated phone number across its systems.
Make the new number your primary alias
The critical step is to select "Make primary" next to the new phone number. This action tells Microsoft that the new number should be the main alias used for sign-in and security codes. Until you do this, the old number remains your primary contact, and you won't be able to remove it. If you skip this step, your old number stays in place, and any security codes or recovery messages will still go to the old number, which defeats the purpose of the change. Once the new number is set as primary, Microsoft will route all account-related communications and verification codes to it.
Remove your old phone number
After the new number is set as primary, you can remove the old one. Go back to the "Security info" or "Account alias" section, find the old phone number, and select the "Remove" option next to it. Microsoft will likely ask you to confirm the removal. Once you confirm, the old number is detached from your account. You cannot remove the old number before setting the new one as primary, the system will not allow it, because it needs at least one active alias for sign-in and recovery. After removal, the old number is no longer associated with your Microsoft account, and any future security codes or recovery attempts will go to the new number.
Fix the 'phone number is already used' error
If you see a message like "This phone number has already been taken" or "phone number is already used," it means the number you're trying to add is linked to another Microsoft account. This often happens if you have multiple Microsoft accounts or if you previously used that number on a different account. The solution is to sign in to the other Microsoft account that currently has the number, navigate to its security settings, and remove the number from that account. After signing out, return to your primary account and add the number again. If you don't have access to the other account, or if the "Transfer number" option isn't available, it may be because the number was recently used on another account. In that case, you may need to wait 30 days before the system allows you to add it, or you can choose a different phone number to use instead.
Change a work or school account phone number
If you're using a Microsoft 365 work or school account, the process is different. The "Work phone" field in your profile is often managed by your organization's IT administrator and may appear locked, meaning you cannot change it yourself. To update a work phone number, contact your organization's IT admin and ask them to update your contact information in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Microsoft Entra admin center. They have the permissions to make that change for you. For broader context on managing phone numbers across Microsoft services, including updating phone number on apps and removing phone numbers from accounts, Microsoft provides a hub page that covers these topics. That hub page also includes guidance on how to change phone number on Ticketmaster, which is a separate service but follows a similar principle of keeping your contact details current across platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Microsoft phone number affect my account access?
No, changing your Microsoft phone number will not affect your ability to access your account, as long as you complete the verification process and update your contact information accurately. Your account access is tied to your password and other security methods, not solely to the phone number. If you encounter issues accessing your account, you can use the 'Can't access your account?' link on the sign-in page for guidance on resetting your password or recovering your username.
Can I use a different country code when changing my Microsoft phone number?
Yes, you can use a different country code when changing your Microsoft phone number, especially if you have relocated or obtained a new number from a different region. Make sure to enter the correct country code so that Microsoft can send verification codes to the right destination.
What happens if I don't verify my new phone number?
If you don't verify the new phone number, it will not be added to your account. The verification code is time-sensitive, and if it expires or you fail to enter it, you'll need to request a new code. Until verification is complete, the old number remains active on your account.
Why is my work phone number locked in my Microsoft 365 profile?
Your work phone number is locked because your organization's IT administrator controls that field. You cannot edit it directly. Contact your IT admin to request a change, and they will update it on their end in the admin center.
