How to change MFA Phone Number for Microsoft 365 Account
As technology continues to advance and security threats become more prevalent, it is important to take proactive measures to protect your online accounts. One of the most effective ways to secure your Microsoft 365 account is by setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide an additional form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, when logging into your account.
However, in some instances, you may need to change the MFA phone number associated with your Microsoft 365 account. This could be due to a change in your personal phone number or switching to a new device. Whatever the reason may be, it is a simple process to update your MFA phone number and ensure the security of your account. Don’t have MFA enabled yet? Scroll to the bottom of this tutorial for the guide which explains how to set it up for an extra layer of protection!
Before we dive into the steps, ensure that you have admin access to the Azure portal. Additionally, you should know the user whose MFA details will be updated. This information is crucial to ensure that the changes are made to the correct account.
Now, let’s take a look at the steps for changing your MFA phone number for your Microsoft 365 account:
Steps to Change the MFA Phone Number:
STEP #1: Sign in to the Azure Portal · Go to https://portal.azure.com.
- Sign in with an account that has the necessary admin permissions.
STEP #2: Navigate to Azure Active Directory- In the left-hand navigation pane, select Azure Active Directory.
STEP #3: Find the User
Under Manage, select Users.
Use the search bar to find the specific user whose MFA phone number you need to change.
Click on the user’s name to open their profile.
STEP #4: Manage User Settings
In the user profile, under Manage, click on Authentication methods.
STEP #5: Update the Phone NumberIf the user has an existing phone number configured, you will see it listed.
Click on the Edit icon (a pencil) next to the phone number.
Update the phone number to the new desired number.
Click Save.
STEP #6: Notify the UserInform the user that their MFA phone number has been updated.
The user should verify that the new phone number works for MFA by attempting to sign in.
Additional Considerations:
- Security Verification Methods: The user may need to verify the new number as part of their next sign-in attempt.
- Backup Methods: Ensure that users have backup MFA methods configured, such as an alternate phone number or an authenticator app, to avoid being locked out.
- Policy Compliance: Verify that the change complies with your organization’s security policies.
It is important to note that you should have at least two methods of verification set up. This could be a phone number and an email address, or even two phone numbers. With multiple methods, you can ensure that you always have a way to verify your identity and access your account.
But be mindful that changing the MFA phone number for a Microsoft 365 account will not disable MFA. The user will still be required to provide the additional factor for authentication.
In conclusion, with the rise in cyber threats, it is essential to secure your Microsoft 365 account with MFA. By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily change the MFA phone number for a user account in your organization. It is recommended to regularly review and update MFA details to ensure the security of user accounts.
Don’t have MFA enabled yet? Follow this simple guide below that explains how to set it up for an extra layer of protection!