Where to find your phone number setting on Amazon
Your phone number on Amazon lives in your account settings, not in a separate security section. Log into your Amazon account, go to the top right corner where your name appears, and click the dropdown menu. Select Account from the list.
Once you are in your Account page, look for a section called Login & security on the left side. This is where Amazon stores your phone number along with your password and two-factor authentication settings. Click on Login & security to open it.
You will see several rows of information. One of them will show your current phone number with an Edit button next to it. If you do not see a phone number listed at all, Amazon may not have one on file yet — you can add one by clicking Add instead. Either way, the next step is the same.
Key Takeaways
- Your phone number is stored in Account settings under Login & security, not in a separate phone or contact section.
- Amazon will send a verification code to your old phone number before letting you confirm the new one, so keep your old phone accessible during this process.
- If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you will need to verify your identity using your email address or a backup phone number instead.
- The change takes effect when ready after you confirm the code, and Amazon will use the new number for two-factor authentication and account recovery.
The verification code step that catches people off guard
When you click Edit next to your phone number, Amazon does not let you straightforward type in a new one. Instead, it sends a verification code to your current phone number first. This is a security measure — Amazon wants to make sure someone with access to your old phone is authorizing the change.
You will see a message saying "We sent a code to [your old number]." Check that phone for a text message from Amazon. The code is usually six digits and arrives within a minute or two. Enter this code into the box on your screen and click Verify.
This is where people get stuck: if you have already switched phones or cancelled your old number, you cannot receive the code. If this is your situation, scroll down on that same page and look for a link that says Can't access this phone? or Verify another way. Amazon will let you verify using your email address instead, though the process takes a few extra minutes.
Entering your new phone number
After you have verified the code from your old number, the page will ask you to enter your new phone number. Type it in completely, including the area code. Make sure the country is set correctly at the top of the field — if you are moving to a different country, this matters.
Click Send code. Amazon will text a verification code to your new phone number. This code confirms that you actually own the new number and can receive texts on it. Check your new phone for the text and enter the code into the box that appears.
Once you enter the code correctly, you will see a confirmation message. Your phone number is now updated. Amazon will use this new number for two-factor authentication codes, account recovery, and any text messages about your account.
What happens if you do not have access to either phone number
If you cannot receive codes on your old phone and cannot receive codes on your new phone, you will need to verify your identity another way. Amazon offers a few options: you can verify using the email address attached to your account, or you can answer security questions you set up previously.
To use email verification, click Verify another way on the phone number page. Select Email from the options. Amazon will send a code to your email address. Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Amazon. Enter the code on the screen.
After you verify by email, you can then enter your new phone number and Amazon will text a code to it. This adds an extra step, but it solves the problem of being locked out of both phone numbers at once.
Updating your phone number on the Amazon app
If you primarily use the Amazon app on your phone rather than the website, you can still change your phone number the same way. Open the app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Account, then scroll down and tap Login & security.
The process is identical to the website version: tap Edit next to your phone number, verify the code sent to your old number, enter your new number, and verify the code sent to your new number. The app will guide you through each step with the same prompts you would see on a computer.
Why Amazon asks for your phone number and what it is used for
Amazon uses your phone number for two main purposes: two-factor authentication and account recovery. Two-factor authentication is an extra security layer that requires you to enter a code texted to your phone whenever you log in from a new device or browser. This makes it much harder for someone to break into your account even if they have your password.
Your phone number is also used if you ever get locked out of your account. If you forget your password or cannot access your email, Amazon can text a recovery code to your phone number to help you regain access. This is why keeping an accurate, working phone number on file matters — it is your backup way back into your account.
Amazon does not sell your phone number or use it for marketing texts. You will only receive texts related to account security or recovery. If you receive a text claiming to be from Amazon asking you to click a link or verify information, that is almost certainly a scam — Amazon never asks you to click links in unsolicited texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to add a phone number to my Amazon account?
No, a phone number is optional. However, adding one makes your account more find and gives you a backup way to recover your account if you lose access to your email. If you use two-factor authentication, Amazon will use your phone number to send you codes.
What if I change my phone number but forget to update Amazon?
Two-factor authentication codes will go to your old number, which you no longer have access to. You will be locked out of your account when you try to log in from a new device. Update your phone number as soon as you get a new one to avoid this problem.
Can I use a landline or Google Voice number instead of a cell phone?
Amazon prefers cell phone numbers because they can receive text messages. Some landlines and VoIP services like Google Voice may work, but Amazon's system is designed for standard mobile numbers. If you try a non-standard number and it does not work, you will see an error message telling you to use a different type of number.
How long does it take for the phone number change to take effect?
The change is when ready. As soon as you confirm the verification code on your new number, Amazon starts using it right away for two-factor authentication and account recovery. You do not need to wait or restart anything.
Will changing my phone number affect my Amazon orders or payment methods?
No. Your phone number is only used for account security and recovery. Changing it does not touch your orders, shipping address, payment methods, or any other account information. Everything else stays exactly as it was.