How to Add an Authorized User to Your AT&T Account

What an authorized user is and why AT&T uses the term

An authorized user on an AT&T account is someone you give permission to manage a phone line or account without being the primary account holder. AT&T uses this term to mean you're letting another person make changes — add services, upgrade a phone, pay the bill, or check usage — but they don't own the account and can't close it or change the account holder's name.

The person you add stays on your account. They don't get their own separate bill or their own account number. Instead, they show up as a secondary person with specific permissions you decide on. This is different from adding a line to your account (which creates a new phone number) or making someone a co-owner (which gives them equal control).

Key Takeaways

You can add an authorized user through the AT&T website, the AT&T mobile app, or by calling AT&T customer service at 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500.
The person you add must be at least 18 years old and you need their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.
You decide what permissions they get — some authorized users can only view the bill, while others can make purchases or change service options.
An authorized user can be removed at any time by the primary account holder, and removing them takes effect when ready.

How to add an authorized user through AT&T's website

Log into your AT&T account on att.com using your username and password. Once you're signed in, look for "Account" or "My Account" in the main menu, then find the option that says "Manage Users" or "Authorized Users" — the exact wording changes depending on which version of the AT&T website you're using.

Click "Add Authorized User" and enter the person's full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. AT&T uses this information to verify their identity. You'll then choose what permissions to give them — for example, you might let them view the bill and make purchases, or only let them view usage without making changes. After you confirm, AT&T sends a verification email to the address on file, and the authorized user is added once you complete that step.

Adding an authorized user through the AT&T mobile app

Open the AT&T mobile app on your phone and tap "Account" at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down until you see "Manage Users" or a similar option, then tap "Add Authorized User." The app will ask for the same information as the website — their name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Select the permissions you want to give them from the list AT&T provides. Common permission options include viewing the bill, making purchases, changing service options, or upgrading devices. Once you tap "Add," AT&T sends a confirmation email to your account email address. The authorized user becomes active once you verify the request.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call AT&T customer service at 611 from any AT&T phone, or call 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user to your account. They'll ask for the person's name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number, just as the website and app do.

The representative will also ask what permissions you want to give them. Once you confirm the details, the authorized user is added to your account. AT&T will send a confirmation email to the address on file. This method is useful if you're having trouble with the website or app, or if you prefer to speak with someone directly.

What permissions you can give an authorized user

AT&T doesn't publish a single fixed list of permissions — what you can assign depends on your account type and which AT&T system you're using. In general, you can choose to let an authorized user view the bill and account details, make purchases or add services, upgrade or change devices, manage data plans, or view usage information.

Some account holders give authorized users full permissions except the ability to close the account or change the account holder's name. Others restrict them to viewing only, so they can see the bill but can't make any changes. When you add the authorized user, AT&T shows you the available options for your specific account, and you check the boxes next to the permissions you want to grant.

Removing an authorized user or changing their permissions

To remove an authorized user, go back to the "Manage Users" or "Authorized Users" section on the AT&T website or app, find their name in the list, and click "Remove" or a similar button. The removal takes effect when ready — they lose access to your account right away and can no longer view the bill or make changes.

If you want to keep them as an authorized user but change what they can do, look for an "Edit" or "Manage Permissions" option next to their name instead of removing them. You can then uncheck permissions you want to take away or check new ones you want to add. These changes also take effect when ready.

Why AT&T asks for a Social Security number

AT&T asks for the last four digits of the authorized user's Social Security number as a way to verify their identity. This is a standard practice in the telecom industry — it's meant to prevent someone from adding themselves to your account without your knowledge, or to stop fraud where a person tries to gain access to an account they don't own.

You only provide the last four digits, not the full number, which reduces the risk of exposing sensitive information. AT&T compares those digits against records they have on file to confirm the person is who they say they are before granting them access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

AT&T requires the last four digits of a Social Security number to verify identity. If the person doesn't have one, contact AT&T customer service at 1-800-331-0500 to ask about alternatives — they may be able to use a different form of identification, though this varies by situation.

What's the difference between an authorized user and adding a new line?

An authorized user is added to your existing line and shares your phone number and bill. Adding a new line creates a separate phone number and service, though it stays on the same account. An authorized user has permissions you control; a new line is a separate service.

Can an authorized user close my account or change the account holder's name?

No. AT&T prevents authorized users from making those changes — only the primary account holder can close the account or change who owns it. You control what permissions each authorized user gets, and closing the account is never one of them.

Do authorized users get their own bill?

No. An authorized user stays on your account and appears on your bill. They don't receive a separate bill or have their own account number. All charges go to the primary account holder's bill.

How long does it take to add an authorized user?

If you add them through the website or app, it usually takes a few minutes to a few hours once you verify the confirmation email. If you add them by phone, they're typically added when ready, though it may take a few hours for the change to show up across all AT&T systems.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.