4 min read
Why Microsoft (Outlook) asks for a phone number
Microsoft asks for a phone number to prove you’re not a bot when you create an Outlook.com or Microsoft account, and to confirm unusual sign-ins. The code arrives by SMS.
Can you skip the phone on Microsoft (Outlook)?
Sometimes Microsoft only shows a puzzle and no phone step. When it asks for a number, there’s no way to skip it.
Your options without a SIM card
Microsoft blocks many VoIP numbers and numbers already used for several accounts, which rules out free SMS sites.
- Email or Google/Apple sign-in, when the app allows it. Free, and no number at all.
- A second SIM or eSIM. Costs a monthly plan, but the number stays yours.
- A private temporary number from CoveSMS. Only you see the code, and you pay nothing if it doesn’t arrive within 20 minutes.
Step by step: get the Microsoft (Outlook) code online
- Buy a Microsoft number in your dashboard.
- On the “Add security info” screen, choose the country and paste the number.
- Click Send code.
- Enter the code from your dashboard.
If the code doesn’t arrive
- “We can’t send a code to this number” means Microsoft won’t use it. Cancel for your balance back and try another country.
- If you get a voice call option, keep SMS selected.
- No code within 20 minutes means the price goes back to your balance automatically.
After you’re in: stop depending on the number
A temporary number is single-use. Set up another way in before it closes:
- Add Microsoft Authenticator and a recovery email at account.microsoft.com › Security › Advanced security options.
- Remove the temporary number from security info once the new methods are confirmed.