What an authorized user is and what they can do
An authorized user on an AT&T account is someone you give permission to manage part or all of your account — but not the billing or payment methods. They can check balances, add features, change plans, and handle customer service calls for the lines you assign to them. They cannot change the account holder's password, add new phone lines, or access billing information.
AT&T distinguishes between an authorized user and a account manager, which is a different role with broader access. If you want someone to handle billing or make account-wide changes, you would set them up as an account manager instead. Most people adding a family member or employee use the authorized user option.
Key Takeaways
- You add an authorized user through the AT&T mobile app, the website, or by calling 611 from an AT&T phone, and you choose which phone lines they can manage.
- The person you add does not need to be on the account holder's billing address or have their own AT&T service.
- An authorized user can change plan features and add services, but cannot see billing details or change the account password.
- AT&T sends a confirmation text or email to the authorized user once you add them, and they can start managing their assigned lines immediately.
Adding an authorized user through the AT&T app or website
The fastest way to add an authorized user is through the AT&T mobile app. Open the app, go to your account menu, select "Manage authorized users," and then choose "Add authorized user." You will enter the person's name, phone number, and email address. AT&T will ask which phone lines on your account they should be able to manage — you can give them access to one line or multiple lines.
If you prefer the website, log into your AT&T account at att.com, navigate to "Account settings," then "Manage authorized users," and follow the same steps. The process is identical. Once you submit, AT&T sends a confirmation to the authorized user's email or phone number. They do not have to accept or sign anything — they can start using their access right away.
Adding an authorized user by phone
If you do not want to use the app or website, call 611 from your AT&T phone or call AT&T customer service at 1-800-331-0500. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user and provide the person's name, phone number, and email address. The representative will confirm which lines they should manage and will process the request on the call.
Phone support can take longer than the app — expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes on the call — but it is useful if you have questions about what an authorized user can or cannot do, or if you need help deciding which lines to assign.
What information you need before you start
Have the following details ready before you add an authorized user: the person's full name, their phone number (does not have to be an AT&T number), and their email address. AT&T uses the email address to send the confirmation, so make sure it is one they check regularly.
You will also need to know which phone lines on your account you want them to manage. If your account has multiple lines, AT&T will list them and ask you to choose. You can assign them to one line only, or to all of them — the choice is yours.
Removing or changing an authorized user's access
If you need to remove an authorized user or change which lines they can access, go back to "Manage authorized users" in the app or website and select the person's name. You will see options to edit their access or delete them entirely. Changes take effect immediately — the person loses access as soon as you confirm the change.
You can also call 611 or 1-800-331-0500 to make changes by phone. There is no waiting period or confirmation needed from the authorized user when you remove them.
The difference between authorized user and account manager
An account manager has broader permissions than an authorized user. Account managers can see billing information, change the account password, add or remove phone lines, and make changes that affect the entire account. An authorized user cannot do any of these things.
If you want to give someone full control of your account — for example, a spouse or a business manager — you would set them up as an account manager instead. The process is similar: go to "Manage account managers" in the app or website, or call 611. Account managers do need to verify their identity with AT&T before they can access the account.
What happens if you add someone by mistake
If you add an authorized user and then change your mind, you can remove them immediately through the app, website, or by calling 611. There is no penalty for adding and removing someone, and AT&T does not charge a fee for managing authorized users.
If someone else added an authorized user to your account without your permission, call AT&T customer service right away. You can verify your identity and have them removed. This is rare, but it is worth checking your "Manage authorized users" page periodically if you share account access with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user see my bill or payment history?
No. Authorized users can see the balance on their assigned lines and any charges related to those lines, but they cannot see the full bill, payment history, or account holder's personal information. If you need someone to handle billing, set them up as an account manager instead.
Does the authorized user need their own AT&T phone service?
No. The person you add does not need to be an AT&T customer or have a phone number on your account. They just need a phone number and email address so AT&T can send them the confirmation.
Can I add a minor as an authorized user?
AT&T does not have a published minimum age for authorized users. If you want to add someone under 18, contact AT&T customer service at 611 or 1-800-331-0500 to confirm whether your account qualifies. Policies vary by state.
What can an authorized user actually change on their assigned lines?
They can add features like international roaming or premium services, change data plans, add insurance, manage device payments, and contact customer service on behalf of those lines. They cannot change the account password, add new lines, or modify billing information.
How long does it take for an authorized user to get access?
Access is usually immediate. AT&T sends a confirmation email or text within minutes, and the authorized user can start managing their assigned lines right away. There is no waiting period.