How To Redeem Microsoft Rewards Without A Phone Number

If you’ve ever tried redeeming your Microsoft Rewards points, you probably noticed that at some point Microsoft asks for a phone number. This step is usually meant to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

But not everyone wants to link their personal number—or maybe you just don’t have access to one right now.

I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it feels when you’ve earned points honestly, only to hit a roadblock at redemption.

The good news is: you can redeem Microsoft Rewards without a phone number. It takes a little extra effort, but it’s absolutely possible.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the different ways to do it, what to expect, and a few tips to make the process smooth.

Why Microsoft Asks for a Phone Number

Before we jump into the solutions, it helps to understand why Microsoft puts this barrier in place. Like most big companies, Microsoft uses phone verification as a quick way to:

Confirm that you’re a real person (not a bot collecting points).
Add an extra layer of security to your account.
Prevent people from making multiple accounts just to rack up points.

Knowing this, you’ll see why skipping the phone number isn’t always straightforward. But if you’re a legitimate user, you still deserve access to your rewards. Let’s go over your options.

Option 1: Use Email Verification Instead

In some cases, Microsoft allows you to verify your identity using your email instead of a phone number. Here’s how you can check if that works for you:

Go to the Microsoft Rewards redemption page and select your reward.
When asked for verification, look for an option that says “Verify with email” or “Use a different method.”
If it’s available, Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email address.
Enter the code, and you’ll be able to redeem your reward without needing a phone number.

Not everyone gets this option—it depends on how your account is set up. But if you do see it, it’s the easiest route.

Option 2: Add Security Information (Without a Phone)

You can also strengthen your account with security info that doesn’t require a phone number:

Alternate Email Address: Add a second email address to your Microsoft account. This makes it easier for Microsoft to confirm your identity without texting you.
Authenticator App: Microsoft lets you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app (or even third-party apps like Authy) for verification. This way, you can approve sign-ins or requests without needing SMS codes.

To set this up:

Go to your Microsoft Account Security settings.
Click on “Advanced security options.”
Add an email or set up the Authenticator app as a method.

Once this is linked, you’re less likely to get stuck at the phone number step when redeeming rewards.

Option 3: Contact Microsoft Support

If you’ve tried the above and still can’t get around the phone number requirement, the next best step is to reach out to Microsoft Support. It might sound like a hassle, but many users have had success by explaining their situation.

Here’s what to do:

Visit the Microsoft Rewards Support page.
Select “Contact Support” and choose the category for Microsoft Rewards.
Explain that you don’t have a phone number linked and ask if they can verify your account another way.

Support agents may ask you to confirm account activity, provide your email, or verify recent sign-in details. It’s a bit more manual than a quick text, but it works.

Option 4: Use a Temporary or Secondary Number (With Caution)

Some people consider using temporary online phone numbers to bypass verification. While this might work, I don’t recommend it for a couple of reasons:

Microsoft can sometimes detect disposable numbers and reject them.
If you lose access to that number later, you could get locked out of your account.
It could even violate Microsoft’s terms of service if abused.

If you do go down this route, make sure it’s a number you actually control (like a secondary SIM card or Google Voice account), not just a random free service you’ll lose access to.

FAQs

Why won’t Microsoft let me redeem without a phone number?

It’s mainly about account security and preventing abuse of the rewards system. But legitimate users like you still have options to verify differently.

Can I remove my phone number from my account after redeeming?

Yes. You can go to your Microsoft Account settings and remove a phone number as a security option. Just make sure you have another method (like email or Authenticator) set up first.

What if I don’t see the email verification option?

That usually means your account isn’t set up with enough alternate security information. Adding an extra email or Authenticator app can increase your chances of seeing that option in the future.

Does contacting support really work?

Yes, but it depends on the situation. Some users report that support quickly helps them redeem, while others may be asked to add some form of security info before proceeding. It’s worth trying if nothing else works.

Will I lose my points if I can’t redeem right away?

Points generally don’t disappear overnight, but Microsoft does have expiration rules. Points may expire if you don’t earn or redeem within 18 months, so it’s best not to wait too long.

Extra Tips to Make Redeeming Easier

Keep your account active: Doing daily searches and activities helps Microsoft see you as a genuine user, making it less likely they’ll block your redemptions.
Check your country’s rules: Sometimes the available rewards and verification steps differ by region.
Stay signed in on your trusted device: Microsoft may skip some security checks if you consistently use the same device.

Conclusion

Redeeming Microsoft Rewards without a phone number is definitely possible—you just need the right setup.

Whether it’s using email verification, linking an authenticator app, or contacting support, you don’t have to feel stuck or give away personal information you’d rather keep private.

I’m curious: have you ever run into this problem yourself? If so, which method worked for you—or are you still trying to find a way around it?