A security phone number for Microsoft
Short answer: Add a real Smart Messaging mobile number to your Microsoft account security info: open Security, then the advanced security options, add a way to prove who you are, select phone number, choose text and enter the code from your dashboard. It survives phone upgrades, carrier changes and moves abroad, protecting Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox and Windows sign-in.
Your Microsoft account can unlock Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, Skype and Windows sign-in. The phone number in its security info is how Microsoft confirms it is you, so choosing a stable, dedicated number is a simple way to protect all of that at once.
What Microsoft means by security info
Microsoft lets you add security info to your account: alternate email addresses, phone numbers and authenticator apps. When you sign in from a new device, change important settings or reset your password, Microsoft may send a code to one of these to verify your identity.
If the phone number there no longer reaches you, recovery becomes much harder. Keeping it current is one of the most useful account hygiene steps you can take.
Microsoft security info options
| Security info | How it verifies you |
|---|---|
| Phone number | Receives a code by text, or by call if that option appears |
| Alternate email address | Receives a verification code |
| Authenticator app | A second method, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app |
Why a dedicated number helps
A number that is not bound to a SIM card survives phone upgrades, carrier changes and moves abroad. You read codes in a browser dashboard, so you can verify from any laptop even if your phone is lost.
It also lets you keep your personal mobile off accounts used for work, gaming or side projects.
Gamers in particular often link an Xbox profile, purchases and saved progress to one Microsoft account. Losing access to that account because an old SIM expired is an avoidable problem, and a number that renews automatically removes that risk.
Business accounts and handovers
Freelancers and small firms often run a personal Microsoft account for a shared mailbox, a licence or a store listing. Linking a business-owned number means the account can be recovered even after the person who created it moves on.
For work or school accounts managed by an organisation, your administrator controls sign-in methods, so check with them before changing anything.
Adding the number to your Microsoft account
- Get a mobile number from Smart Messaging and wait for activation, usually a few minutes.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account, open Security, then the advanced security options, and choose to add a way to prove who you are.
- Select phone number, pick the country and enter the national number.
- Choose text, enter the code from your Smart Messaging dashboard, and consider removing any old number you no longer control.
If Microsoft's code does not show up
- Wait a few minutes before requesting another code; frequent requests may be limited.
- Check the country selected in the dropdown matches your number.
- Try a call instead of a text if that option appears.
- If Microsoft does not accept the number, replace it free within 7 days; an unused number is also covered by our 7-day refund.
Your plan at a glance
Every Smart Messaging number includes unlimited incoming calls and texts, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing minutes a month, SIP credentials for apps like MicroSIP or Bria, forwarding to any phone and a browser dialer. Pricing starts from $1.80 per month, billed yearly ($21.60 per year). A 7-day replacement guarantee comes with every number.
Staying in control long-term
Keep your wallet funded so the number renews automatically, and keep at least two security methods on the account, such as this number plus the Microsoft Authenticator app. Store recovery codes offline.
Once a year, open your security info and remove anything you no longer control, such as an old work email or a SIM you gave up. A short, current list of methods is far safer than a long list of dead ends when you need to recover the account quickly.
Top countries for Microsoft
Numbers in stock as of 2026-11-02. Every number costs $1.80/month, billed yearly.
| Country | Number types in stock | Price |
|---|---|---|
| United States (+1) | Mobile 12 · Local 25 · Toll-free 3 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
| United Kingdom (+44) | Mobile 13 · Local 14 · Toll-free 6 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
| Canada (+1) | Mobile 10 · Local 18 · Toll-free 7 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
| Germany (+49) | Mobile 8 · Local 23 · Toll-free 2 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
| France (+33) | Mobile 15 · Local 13 · Toll-free 5 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
| Australia (+61) | Mobile 10 · Local 18 · Toll-free 2 | $1.80/mo billed yearly |
Included on every plan
- Unlimited incoming SMS
- Unlimited incoming calls
- 500 outgoing SMS per month
- 1,000 outgoing minutes per month
- SIP credentials, call forwarding and web dialer
- Keep your number as long as you want
- Works with WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, Telegram and thousands more
- 7-day replacement guarantee — free new number if it doesn't work for you
- 7-day money-back guarantee if the number is unused
Numbers from $1.80 per month, billed yearly ($21.60 per year). Pay with USDT or USDC.
Microsoft numbers — FAQ
Can I add more than one phone number to Microsoft security info?
Yes, Microsoft lets you add several methods. Having more than one reduces the risk of being locked out.
Will Microsoft accept a Smart Messaging number?
Yes, it receives Microsoft's security codes by SMS or call. If Microsoft doesn't accept it, you can get a new number free within 7 days (up to 2 times), or a full refund if it is unused.
Does this work for Xbox and Outlook?
They use the same Microsoft account, so the security info you add applies across those services.
Can I use this for my employer's work account?
Work and school accounts are managed by your organisation. Ask your IT administrator which sign-in methods are allowed.
What number type should I choose?
A mobile number is the most common choice for text codes. Local numbers work well for voice calls.
How do I pay?
Top up your wallet with USDT or USDC on Tron, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana. Cards are not currently accepted.
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