What an Authorized User Can Do on Your AT&T Account
An authorized user on an AT&T account is someone you give permission to manage part or all of the account — but not the billing. They can add lines, change plans, troubleshoot service issues, and make changes to individual phone numbers on the account. They cannot view your bill, change payment methods, or close the account. This is useful if you want a family member, business manager, or trusted person to handle day-to-day account tasks without giving them full control.
AT&T lets you add multiple authorized users, and each one can have different permission levels. You stay the account owner and the person responsible for payment. The authorized user straightforward gets access to make specific changes you decide on.
Key Takeaways
- You add an authorized user through your AT&T account online, by phone, or in an AT&T store, and you control what they can and cannot do.
- Authorized users can manage lines and plans but cannot see your bill or change payment information.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same method you added them.
- AT&T may ask for the authorized user's name, phone number, and date of birth to verify their identity.
Adding an Authorized User Online
Log into your AT&T account at att.com using your account number and password. Go to the Account menu and look for "Manage Authorized Users" or "User Management" — the exact label varies depending on whether you have wireless, internet, or TV service. Click to add a new authorized user.
Enter the person's full name, phone number, and date of birth. AT&T uses this information to verify who they are if they call customer service. Choose which parts of the account they can access: for example, you might let them manage wireless lines but not change your internet service. Review the permissions, then submit. AT&T will send a confirmation email to your account email address.
The authorized user does not need to do anything on their end — they can start using their access when ready. If they call AT&T customer service, they will need to provide their name and date of birth to confirm they are an authorized user.
Adding an Authorized User by Phone or in Store
Call AT&T customer service at 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. They will ask for the person's name, phone number, and date of birth, and will confirm which account permissions you want to grant.
You can also visit an AT&T store in person. Bring a photo ID and have the authorized user's name, phone number, and date of birth ready. A store representative will add them to your account and print a confirmation for your records. This method works well if you want to explain the permissions in person or if you do not have online access.
What Permissions You Can Set
AT&T typically offers two levels of access: full account management or limited access to specific lines. With full account management, the authorized user can add or remove phone lines, change plans, adjust features, and handle billing inquiries — but they still cannot view your bill or change the payment method. With limited access, you can restrict them to managing only certain phone numbers on your account.
Some AT&T accounts also let you set permissions by service type. For example, you might allow someone to manage your wireless lines but not your internet or TV service. Ask the representative what options are available for your specific account type when you add the user.
Removing an Authorized User
You can remove an authorized user at any time using the same method you added them. Online, log into your account, go to the authorized users section, find the person's name, and select "Remove" or "Delete." By phone, call 611 or 1-800-331-0500 and ask to remove an authorized user — the representative will confirm the person's name and remove their access when ready. In an AT&T store, a representative can remove them in person.
Once removed, that person loses all access to your account. They will not receive a notification that they have been removed, so if you want them to know, you will need to tell them separately. You can add them back later if needed.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Only add someone you trust completely, because an authorized user can make changes to your service and contact AT&T on your behalf. They cannot see your bill or change payment methods, but they can add lines, change plans, and potentially increase your monthly charges. If your relationship with the person changes — for example, if an employee leaves your business or a family member moves out — remove them from your account right away.
AT&T does not notify you when an authorized user makes changes to your account, so check your account regularly if you have given someone access. If you notice unauthorized changes, remove the user when ready and contact AT&T customer service to review what was changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user see my bill or change my payment method?
No. Authorized users can manage lines and plans, but they cannot view your bill, change your payment method, or access your billing address. Only the account owner can make those changes.
What happens if an authorized user makes changes I do not want?
You can undo most changes by logging into your account or calling AT&T customer service. Remove the authorized user when ready if they make unauthorized changes. AT&T can also review the account history to show what changes were made and when.
Can I give different permissions to different authorized users?
Yes, depending on your account type. You can set one authorized user to manage all lines and another to manage only a specific phone number. Ask AT&T what permission options are available when you add each user.
Do I need the authorized user's permission to add them to my account?
AT&T does not require the authorized user to consent, but it is a good idea to tell them before you add them. They will need to know their access exists if they ever call customer service or want to make changes.
Can an authorized user add another authorized user?
No. Only the account owner can add or remove authorized users. An authorized user cannot delegate their access to someone else.