How to Fix the “Telephone Activation” Prompt in Office

In this article:

• Why Telephone Activation Happens
• Step 1: Launch the Activation Wizard
• Step 2: Obtain Your Confirmation ID

Why Telephone Activation Happens

Occasionally, when activating a retail Microsoft Office key, the standard “internet activation” server may be congested or blocked by an enterprise firewall, prompting you to activate via telephone.

Step 1: Launch the Activation Wizard

1. Open an Office application (like Word or Excel).
2. When the Activation Wizard appears, select “I want to activate the software by telephone” and click Next.
3. In the drop-down menu, select your current country or region.
4. The wizard will display a toll-free number and an Installation ID (a long string of numbers grouped into blocks).

[Insert Image: An icon of a smartphone next to the Microsoft Office logo]

Step 2: Obtain Your Confirmation ID

1. Call the toll-free number provided on your screen.
2. When prompted by the automated system, use your phone’s keypad to enter your Installation ID block by block.
3. The system will verify your key and dictate a Confirmation ID back to you.
4. Type this Confirmation ID into the empty blocks at the bottom of your Activation Wizard window on your PC.
5. Click Next.