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

Hello again!

It's important to note that Microsoft doesn't allow the same phone number to be actively associated with more than one Microsoft account at the same time. This restriction is in place to protect account ownership and prevent confusion or unauthorized access. When a phone number is linked to multiple accounts, it can create conflicts during sign-in or recovery processes, which can lead to account lockouts or issues with incorrect identity management.

If you try to add a phone number that's already in use on another account, you may get an error message like:

"This alias cannot be added to your account. Please choose a different alias."

This behavior is intentional and helps ensure that each account has a unique and verifiable method of contact. If you've recently removed a number from another account, it may take some time for it to become available for reuse.

Here are some recommendation steps to take:

1. Make sure that the phone number you're trying to add isn't already associated with another Microsoft account.
   
2. Use a different phone number or email address as an alias or security proof.
   
3. If you think the number is no longer being used on another account, wait 24-48 hours and try again.
   
4. Try using another non-chromium browser, such as Opera and Mozilla Firefox, to change your allies, as well as InPrivate Window.
   
5. Double-check that you're entering the phone number in the correct format (including the country code).
   
6. Clear your browser's cache and cookies and then try adding the phone number again.
   

I hope you answer your question and let us know if you have any other questions.