"Let's verify it's you..." issues when setting up account on new device

Hey @ckk1972, let's work on getting your recover information updated. 

Recovery information is set up so that you have a way into your email if you happen to forget your password. Follow these easy steps to update your information and receive the verification code to your desired email. 

1. To begin, visit the AT&T website.
2. Click on the line under the person icon in the upper right-hand corner.(You should get a drop-down menu)
3. Select View Profile. 
4. It brings up a page with three squares. Select Contact Information.
5. Then add or edit the recovery number and recovery email address. Please note that the phone number must be an AT&T phone number. 

Let us know if this helps you out!

Johan, AT&T Community Specialist

Line 5 is precisely my problem.  I want to use a non-AT&T number or otherwise turn this feature off entirely.  I was told that this should be possible.  There have to be plenty of yahoo (sbcglobal.net) customers that don't have service via AT&T.  

Thank you for verifying @ckk1972.

Here are the steps to add a recovery phone number that's not AT&T:

1. Go to Profile and sign in with your AT&T Mail address and password.
2. Select Sign-in info.
3. Scroll to My linked accounts and select Manage email.
4. Select Edit user information.
5. Enter your wireless number and check Use this number to reset your password.
6. Select Save Changes.
7. Complete any final steps sent to your wireless number within 24 hours. Text message rates and other charges may apply if you don’t have an AT&T Wireless number. Check with your plan and provider.

Heads up: It can take up to 30 days before you can use your wireless number to reset your password for both AT&T and non-AT&T Wireless numbers.

If you need help with anything else, let us know. Thanks for visiting the AT&T Community Forums.

Blanca, AT&T Community Specialist

 I did all of this months ago.  The phone number I want is confirmed to reset my password, but it is not presented to me as an option to verify it's me when setting up the email account on a new device.  Only the AT&T numbers are listed. 

Bump.  Anyone have an answer, please?