Microsoft sometimes requests users to enter a phone number while creating an Outlook and Hotmail Account. If this happens, you can still Create Outlook Account Without Phone Number using different methods as provided below.
In general, Microsoft uses a Captcha test to verify human users and prompts for a phone number only if it suspects creation of multiple user accounts within a short period of time.
However, in certain cases you may be flagged by this system and asked to enter a phone number, even if you are not trying to create multiple accounts.
Create Outlook Account Without Phone Number
If for some reason Microsoft is requesting a phone number, then you can make use of methods as provided below to bypass the phone verification screen.
1. Clear Browser Cache & Restart Modem/Router
The reason for Phone verification, instead of the usual Captcha test might be due to your IP being present in the list of suspicious IP Addresses on Microsoft servers.
You can start by clearing the browser cache, in order to get rid of stored cookies which might be linked to your IP Address and online activities.
After clearing the browser cache, disconnect the power supply to your Modem/Router unit and wait for 5 minutes. After this, connect back the power supply to your Modem/Router unit.
Once your computer is connected to the internet, try creating a Microsoft Account once again and this time you should be able to create an Outlook account without phone number.
2. Use Outlook App
Users have reported being able to create an Outlook account without providing a phone number, when using the Outlook app, instead of the Outlook website.
Download the Outlook app on your phone and try creating an account from within the Outlook App.
3: Try Again Later
If Microsoft is asking for your Phone Number, simply close the browser tab and try creating an Outlook Account after an hour or on the next day.
This should work, because the request for Phone Number is most likely designed to prevent bots and automated programs from creating multiple Outlook Accounts in a short period of time.
So, if you are being asked to enter a phone number, try creating an account after a few hours or on the next day.
4. Contact Microsoft Support
If all the methods above did not work, the only remaining option is to contact Microsoft support and ask them how they can verify you without a phone number.
You can get in touch with Microsoft support using this link or search for Microsoft support using Microsoft Edge or any other web browser installed on your computer.
The other option is to start chatting with Microsoft Support, in which case you will be dealing with Microsoft Virtual Agent. If the virtual agent is unable to help you, it will provide you with the option to talk to a human agent.