Security info is an alternate contact email address or phone number that you add to your account. If you forget your password, or if someone else is trying to take over your account, we send a verification code to that alternate email or phone number. When you give the code back to us, we know that you’re really you so we can help get you back into your Microsoft account.
We use your security info only to verify your identity if you're accessing personal information or if we detect a problem with your account.
Note: This article is about security info. If you have lost, forgotten or have other password issues, see Change or reset your Windows password.
Before we start into how to manage your security info, let's make sure we’ve successfully sent your verification code.
If you’d like to reset your password but the verification code didn’t arrive, see When you can’t sign in to your Microsoft account.
For tips about receiving and using verification codes, please see Troubleshooting verification code issues.
Manage your security info
On your Advanced security options page, you can review existing sign-in methods or add a new way to sign in or verify.
Manage your security info
Expand a section to learn how to add or remove a way to sign in.
Add or update security info
Sign in to your Advanced security options page using your Microsoft Account.
Select Add a new way to sign in or verify then choose how you would like to receive security codes.
Tip: The email or phone number does not have to be yours - you just need to have access to it if you want to use it to verify your account.
We'll send a security code to confirm. Enter that code when prompted and then select Next.
That's it. Next time you need a sign-in verification code, you will see the new option listed.
Make sure the list of phone numbers or email you use to sign in to your account is up to date. Open your Sign-in options to turn off sign-in preferences for any phone number or email you don't use often
Remove security info
Important:
You don't need to remove old security info unless there is an account security risk (e.g. someone else has access to your old mailbox).
If you do need to replace your security info, make sure you add new info first.
If you request removal of all security info in your account, the info doesn’t actually change for 30 days. During this time, we cannot accept further changes or additions to security settings or billing info. Your account is still open and active, and you can still use your email, Skype, OneDrive and devices as usual. We’ll let you know when it's time to enter new security info. Learn more.
On the Security basics page, select the Update info button. If you're not already signed in to your Microsoft account, you'll be prompted to sign in.
You may be asked to enter a verification code to continue. If you don't have access to your alternate email or phone number, choose I don't have any of these and follow the instructions to replace your security info.
You'll see your security info under Security settings. Choose Remove for any you want to remove. You may be asked to add new security info before you can remove the old info.
Make sure that your mobile phone is switched on and is not in airplane mode, that the SIM card is unlocked, and you have cellular network coverage. If you still have not received a text message, please click Resend code to repeat the sending process.
When you make changes to your contact settings, we send you a verification code or email to keep your account secure.
Email verificationIf you’ve made a change to the primary email address in your Contact settings we’ll send a verification email to the new email address you entered. You’ll need to click the verification button in that email within 24 hours.
If you haven’t received the verification email, try these steps:- Add your new email address again, carefully checking the spelling and any special characters
- Check your spam/junk folder (if you use Gmail, check the promotional/social folders)
Verification text messageIf you want to update your contact number(s) or payout settings, we’ll send you a 6-digit code to verify those changes. The message will be sent to the registered mobile number on your account.
To make sure you can receive the code by text, go to Notification settings and check they are switched to ON.
If you’ve previously opted out of SMS notifications by texting STOP, you’ll need to send another text message with the word START to the number shown in your Notification Settings and switch notifications to ON.
If you don’t receive the verification message:- Wait a few minutes and if you don’t get a message, try and resend the code. Check you’re in an area of good reception or try using a different phone number.
How do I find my email code?
In Microsoft Outlook, double-click to open an email. You'll see an “Actions” menu under the “Message” tab. Click on that menu and select the “Other Actions,” then click on “View Source” to see the HTML code.How do I find my verification code?
On your Android device, go to your Google Account. At the top, tap the Security tab. If at first you don't get the Security tab, swipe through all tabs until you find it. Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification.Why am I not getting a verification code to my email?
The message may have been blocked by the carrier or email service provider. You may have reported this type of notification messages or emails as junk information. SMS: Contact your carrier to stop such a type of information from being blocked. Email: Search for the verification email in the spam mailbox.How do I get email verification?
How to verify an email address before sending cold emails?.7 best tactics to verify your email addresses. ... .Check the email syntax. ... .Ping the server. ... .Send an email from a different account. ... .DNS lookup. ... .Perform an IP address lookup. ... .Use an email verification tool. ... .Verify your email list while sending cold emails..