No possibility to change alternate email adressess in Microsoft Teams

Question

No possibility to change alternate email adressess in Microsoft Teams

just skinhead 0

Having old account migrated from skype, I have very old email addresses attributed to it which I don't use any longer. I tried to enter profile details on teams and to change email account (an alternate email address), but unfortunately every time when entering email address I'm getting the information that there is a problem with service. I tried it many times without period of couple of months thus it looks there is a permanent bug. It doesn't seem to be related with given email account as I tried to give few ones.

The exact message on https://account.live.com is:

There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again. If you continue to get this message, try again later.

just skinhead 0 Reputation points

2026-03-11T17:10:33.1733333+00:00

I tried also on https://account.microsoft.com/profile?lang=en-US

Is starts with window:

Since you don't have access to your current security info...

What security info would you like to add?

When entering an alternate email address, I'm getting:

There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again. If you continue to get this message, try again later.

1 answer

Your answer

just skinhead 0 Reputation points

2026-03-11T17:10:33.1733333+00:00

I tried also on https://account.microsoft.com/profile?lang=en-US

Is starts with window:

Since you don't have access to your current security info...

What security info would you like to add?

When entering an alternate email address, I'm getting:

There's a temporary problem with the service. Please try again. If you continue to get this message, try again later.

Answer 1

Chloe-L 11,540 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello just skinhead,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A. I understand how frustrating it is to be blocked by an error that lasts for months.

When this specific error persists for that long during a security information update, it is not actually a server outage. It usually means the automated security system has flagged your browser's cached data, your network connection, or the specific email address you are trying to add.

To bypass this invisible block, please follow these steps to create a clean environment for the system:

1. Use a Clean Browser Session: Open a private browsing window (such as InPrivate in Microsoft Edge or Incognito in Google Chrome).

2. Change Your Network Connection The security servers might be temporarily blocking your home Wi-Fi IP address due to the repeated attempts. If possible, disconnect from your Wi-Fi and use a different network, such as connecting your computer to your smartphone's mobile hotspot.

3. Use a Brand New Email Address When the screen asks, "What security info would you like to add?", the system will reject the request if the email you provide is already linked to another Microsoft account. To guarantee it goes through, I highly recommend creating a brand new, free email address (like a fresh Gmail or Yahoo account) specifically for this recovery process, and entering that brand new address into the box.

Once you successfully submit the new email address from this clean environment, the system should finally accept it and begin the standard 30-day security replacement process.

Please let me know if the system accepts the new email after trying these steps!

Chloe-L 11,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-12T23:55:27.8633333+00:00

Hello just skinhead,

Good day to you! I'm just checking in to see if the solution we provided has resolved your issue.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you require any further assistance.

Warm regards,
just skinhead 0 Reputation points

2026-03-13T19:16:31.8033333+00:00
I used already private session and it doesn't help. 2. I used 3 different networks previously (with some time breaks). 3. I tried with two email addresses. According to my best knowledge none of them is attributed to any skype/microsoft teams profile. 4. I tried on 3 different devices (not the same day but on different dates).

I have impression that it might be sth related with the fact that my account has been migrated from skype.
Chloe-L 11,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-15T01:16:46.2033333+00:00

Hello just skinhead,

Thank you for providing such a detailed breakdown of the troubleshooting steps you have already taken.

Your observation about the account being migrated from Skype is a fantastic clue and could very well be the missing piece of the puzzle here. Account migrations can sometimes cause unique backend conflicts.

I am currently looking into this specific scenario and checking for other related cases regarding Skype migrations to ensure I provide you with the most accurate solution. I'll get back to you as soon as I have a better lead on this.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding in the meantime!

Best regards,
Chloe-L 11,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-20T00:39:31.5033333+00:00

Hello just skinhead,

Thank you for your patience while I looked into this for you. I understand that you are trying to initiate the security info replacement process, and I know how frustrating it is when multiple attempts and workarounds still hit a wall.

Your account's migration from Skype might make the backend a bit more sensitive to new email additions, but to get your account recovery started successfully, please follow this approach:

1. Wait a Full 24 Hours

Because you have been trying repeatedly across different devices and networks, the automated system has likely placed a temporary cooldown on your account to prevent spam. Please wait a full 24 hours from your very last attempt before trying again to let the system reset.

2. Use a Phone Number Instead

When you initiate the security info replacement process again tomorrow, please select the option to enter a mobile phone number instead of an alternate email address when it asks, "What security info would you like to add?".

3. Add Your Email Later

Once you successfully submit the phone number, the mandatory 30-day security waiting period will begin. Once those 30 days are over and you have full control of the account again, you can easily log into your security settings and add the email alias you originally wanted.

Please let me know if you are able to replace the security info successfully using the phone number route!
just skinhead 0 Reputation points

2026-03-21T11:01:07.6466667+00:00

I tried it many times even with more than 24h break!

I am not using mobile phone. Moreover the situation when mobile phone is required to use service is not legal. It can be optional but not mandatory.

I am still not able to change my email address.

The whole situation is more and more ridiculous! Can you manually change my email address to the new one if I contact you by email? How can I do that?
Chloe-L 11,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-21T23:33:28.0766667+00:00
Hello just skinhead,

Regarding your request for a manual change, please understand that for your security, Microsoft Q&A Support agents do not have access to your personal account data and cannot manually modify email addresses or security information for you. This is a strict security measure to ensure that only the account owner can make changes to their sensitive information.

Since the automated system is still blocking the email update, the best option left is to contact Microsoft Live Support so they can check this for you on the backend.

Go to the Microsoft Contact Us page.

Type "Account Security Issue" in the box and press Enter.

Click Contact Support at the bottom of the page.

Select "Other Products" and then "Manage Account Security."

You should then see an option to "Chat with a support agent in your web browser" or request a callback.

I sincerely hope that the Microsoft support team will be able to resolve this for you quickly. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

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No possibility to change alternate email adressess in Microsoft Teams

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