diff --git a/synapse/rest/client/v2_alpha/register.py b/synapse/rest/client/v2_alpha/register.py
index 200b29fa38..192f52e462 100644
--- a/synapse/rest/client/v2_alpha/register.py
+++ b/synapse/rest/client/v2_alpha/register.py
@@ -378,7 +378,8 @@ class RegisterRestServlet(RestServlet):
                     if not check_3pid_allowed(self.hs, medium, address):
                         raise SynapseError(
                             403,
-                            "Third party identifier (email/phone number) is not allowed",
+                            "Third party identifiers (email/phone numbers)" +
+                            " are not authorized on this server",
                             Codes.THREEPID_DENIED,
                         )