Why is Microsoft texting me?

We might send you a text message when you sign in or if you try to use a feature that requires you to verify your identity. We might also text you when you sign in to a device that we haven't seen you use before.

If you have two-step verification turned on to help protect your account, you can choose to receive your security code through text message when you sign in.

Yes. Microsoft uses 69525 to send security verification codes and alerts related to account activity.

We might send you a text message when you sign in or if you try to use a feature that requires you to verify your identity. We might also text you when you sign in to a device that we haven't seen you use before.

Some texts may come from "69525", some from "Microsoft".

Genuine links in text messages from Microsoft begin aka.ms

• aka.ms/alca is a genuine link that redirects to your Microsoft account activity page at account.live.com/activity.

• aka.ms/aadsmshelp is a genuine link that redirects to a Microsoft support help page on how to Troubleshoot verification code issues.

We'll only send a text message to the primary phone number on your Microsoft account. If your Microsoft account doesn't have a cell number associated with it, we'll contact you using one of the methods you've provided—your email address, for example. You can change your contact information in your account profile.

Sign in

Instead of receiving security codes in a text message or email, your phone can generate them with an app. If you want to generate security codes, check out the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android or iOS. Add your Microsoft account to the app by signing in with your credentials or by visiting your security settings page and selecting Set up identity verification app.

Windows offers a new security option that replaces the need for two-step verification. Windows Hello uses biometrics (your fingerprint or face, if your device has that capability) or a PIN to verify your identity instead of sending you a security code. Learn more about this and Get started with Windows Hello.