I keep getting the error message 'cannot use this alias' when I try to add my phone number...

Hi Alicia! My name is Darhyl and I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

I'm sorry you are experiencing this with your Microsoft Rewards.

It's important to note that this is a public user-to-user community forum, and none of us here work for Microsoft.

I've also experienced the same issue before. I'm afraid that once you have your phone number associated with a Microsoft account, even if you remove it from the account and attempt to re-add it to your new account, it will not work as it is permanently registered on the original account where it was first added.

The only best option is to add a new phone number to your Microsoft account as your alias to redeem in Microsoft rewards.

Also, avoid VoIP phone numbers: If you were using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone number previously, consider switching to a traditional mobile or landline number. Sometimes, VoIP numbers may not be recognized or accepted during the verification process.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

Best Regards,
Darhyl

Hi, the phone number is not being accepted, I get the code and the code works but when I type it in and submit it, it says "This alias cannot be added to your account. Choose a different alias", so for some reason they don't accept my phone number.

Hi Kev,

Thanks, I tried that one at the first place and get the error message "You can't add a work or school email address as an alias to a personal Microsoft account. Please try another."

also, when i tried to add my never used outlook.ie account (which is working but really don't want to use it as an alias) i received the bit strange error message "This email address is already taken. Please try another."

Hi, I did it for my alias phone number and security phone number, but even information about 30 days waiting doesn't appeared. I see my phone number as my alias and security I have removed them and put again but nothing happened. I receive on my phone
message, but when I take contact information it says there is no phone number connected with this account

When I follow those steps, the only choice I see for adding a phone number is under the alias section. There is no other way to add a phone number on my account.

And as I explained in my post, my phone number is shown as associated with the email used on my account. So I know it's not being used for another account.