I keep getting this window now:

Let's make sure you don't get locked out

Take a minute to update your profile info. This way we can help you recover your ID or reset your password if you have to. Plus, you won’t miss important account updates.

Here’s what we’ve got

Here’s what we have to update

And not only does it require a 10 digit number, they want an "AT&T wireless number" when I try to add a placeholder phone number over at my email address account profile at as suggested here:

https://forums.att.com/conversations/att-mail-login-security/att-has-locked-me-out-of-my-email-account/64166ee653572e79638911d4

so the dummy number as a placeholder won't work! Can we please have a "Skip" option for the phone number? Please.

FINALLY! Found this page

https://forums.att.com/conversations/att-mail-login-security/att-net-is-demanding-i-enter-a-cell-number/6408d2e19b84dc4fbef49122

and tried the 111-111-1111 again and it accepted the number and going to send a code to it but there's a link to "Take me to my account". I clicked that and was logged out directed me to Currently. I clicked "Mail" and got the page where you choose the email account to access and I clicked the account and finally I was in!!!!

I updated all my information to include recovery email, etc. last year to resolve the problem when ATT decided to lock me out for no reason. Now there is no way to avoid putting in mobile number, and it has to be an ATT mobile. How would resetting password help if we still have no ATT mobile number to enter or we choose not to share it with the company?

Just tried the accepted solution and put phone number as 111-111-1111 and unchecked "use this number to reset your password" and I got a message that said that number cannot receive SMS messages. I couldn't get any further. Already have recovery email in the system that could be used to reset password. I've had this account for 20 years but may have to switch to different provider. Denying access for a phone number is nonsense.

Glad to hear our suggestion was able to get you back into your email, @losingmyemail! 

If you need help with your email in the future, please let us know. Thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums! 

Raiden, AT&T Community Specialist 

Hi @SBuser,

My problem was when I tried to log in or click my email profile to enter my email inbox as I was already signed in at the time, I keep getting the "Let's make sure you don't get locked out" error page asking for a wireless number.

It had my first/last name and zip code but it wanted a wireless number which I don't have in general, let alone an AT&T wireless number to enter so after messing around with it, making my angry rant, having flashes of dread because I may be losing my emails, I did some searching for similar problems and found the first community post link which suggested to use 111-111-1111.

At first I was scared to enter the dummy number in the "Let's make sure you don't get locked out" error page because I didn't trust I'll be able to use email for recovery or I might mess things up because of me lol.

Eventually, I tried it and it didn't work. It took me to Currently page or something.

Then I thought of the idea to enter the dummy number from my att.net account for my email account. When password reset is completed, you're directed to that email profile page. I tried to update my number from there. It rejected it because it wasn't a recognized AT&T number.

Tried other tips such as clearing att cookies and that didn't work. I was stuck on the "Let's make sure you don't get locked out" error page asking for a wireless number every time I tried to access my email. I even went to my browser history and click on my inbox page saved on my browser history and even clicked Back button on my browser and still stuck.

I did some more searching around in the Community Forum again and found the second post that was the "Official Answer" which suggested the 111-111-1111 again. That gave me a little more confidence, plus I was desperate to fix this. I need my email!!!

I go to the Currently homepage. Clicked Mail. It'll ask you to choose a email profile to sign into or click on if you're already signed in. Then you'll get the "Let's make sure you don't get locked out" error325 (see the url bar and you'll see "error325" in it). Typed 1 ten times into the Contact number box and the Submit button went from gray to blue. I clicked Submit. Next thing I saw was it accepted the number (finally) saying they'll send a code to it but I clicked the Take me to my account link that appeared below the enter code stuff and that eventually took me to my webmail after it directed me to Currently. I clicked Mail and got the page where you choose the email account to access and I clicked the email account and finally I was in!!!!

Hope this helps,

Losingmyemail

@losingmyemail

thank you for the details. Some months ago, after ATT actually locked me out (they claimed that they lock accounts for the owners’ protection), I had to have someone in the executive offices get tech support to help me get back into my account and set up recovery information. These problems seem common and recurring with ATT, so I am skeptical of solutions being long lasting. I will try the 111-111-1111 on the sign in page and see if it works. I too am signed in; it just won’t let me to the inbox. 

@SBuser 

I never had a lock out, just the care code error, resetting password and now the requiring a phone number. If it lets me choose other ways to recover besides phone since I entered the dummy number as officially suggested, I should be set.

Just keep messing with it. You'll somehow find your way back in like I did.

I cleared cookies, used back and forward buttons. Logged out. Logged back in. Tried with Chrome (didn't work). Tried the 111-111-1111, a second time before it worked on Safari again. 

Good luck!