Verify the security information for your Microsoft account

When you add contact information such as a phone number or email address to your Microsoft account, you create an extra layer of security. This information lets you prove your identity should you need to make changes to your account—for example, if you forget your password or think your account might have been hacked.

After you add this information, you'll need to verify that you have access to it before you can use it to prove your identity. You may also receive an error on your console when you try to download your account or sign in on your console if you have not verified your newly added security information.

Follow the steps on this page to learn how to verify your security information.

Here's how:

1. Sign in using your Microsoft account email address and password.
2. Select Security.
3. Click Update info.
4. Click Verify next to your security information.
5. You'll receive a security code via text or email to verify that you're the account owner. Enter the code when you receive it, and then click Verify.

When prompted to verify security information while using your Xbox One or Xbox 360, follow the instructions displayed on your console. We will send a code to the phone number or email you provided. Enter the code to complete verification.

You can update your security information at any time by signing in to account.microsoft.com.