Whether you’re receiving intrusive calls or simply don’t know who has your phone number and would like to start again, it might be time to change it.
However, it’s not obvious how to actually do that. As it turns out, the method can vary depending on the phone or network you’re with.
Below you will find a guide on how to change your phone number, regardless of whether you’re using an iPhone or Android phone.
Why should I change my phone number?
But firstly, why do you even would like to change your number? Well, there are some reasons why you might want to consider it.
For example, if you’re receiving unwanted calls or messages from telemarketers, scammers or other unwelcome sources, changing your phone number can give you peace of mind.
Knowing how to protect your identity online is a critical step in protecting your personal safety and ensuring your contact information is not easily accessible. Changing your phone number is one of many ways to do that.
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On the other hand, if you’re moving to a new city, starting a new job or simply want a fresh start, a new phone number can help you with that.
Alternatively, if you use your phone number for business purposes and are receiving too many business-related calls and messages, it might be a good idea to separate your personal and professional contacts with a new number.
How to change your phone number on Android
Changing your phone number on Android phone can be done in two ways.
If you want to keep your current SIM card, you can request a phone number change directly by contacting your network provider.
If you live in the UK, contact EE, O2, Vodafone, Three or any piggyback networks you’re using. The same applies if you use AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or any of their piggybackers in the US.
Head to your provider’s website or contact them over the phone to be guided through the process.
Some carriers even allow you to select from a list of available numbers, so you won’t be getting a random number.
However, keep in mind that there may be a fee associated with this service.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
On the other hand, if you don’t care about your current SIM card, you can also buy a new SIM card, which will give you a totally new phone number. This will skip the whole process of changing the number on your current SIM card, saving you time and potential service charges.
Be sure to check out our roundups of the best SIM-only deals in the UK and US, as well as the best SIM deals & plans for students if your budget is tight.
If your carrier provides a new SIM card, insert it into your phone and follow our guide on how to activate a SIM card.
You can also order an eSIM card, but be sure to check the pros and cons of using an eSIM on your phone first before making a purchase.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can even pair it with a dual-SIM phone and have two phone numbers at once.
However, it is also important to note that in many countries there are two main ways to buy a phone on contract: unlocked or locked to a specific network.
Follow our guide on how to unlock an Android phone and use any SIM if you encounter any problems.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
If you’re already done with getting your new phone number, then change it on any accounts linked to your old number, such as social media, email, banking and two-factor authentication services.
Also be sure to go to ‘Settings’ > ‘About’ > ‘Phone number’ (method may vary by phone) to check if your new number is displayed correctly. If not, you may need to manually update it.
How to change your phone number on iPhone
Changing your phone number on an iPhone involves a similar process to Android, with a few Apple-specific steps.
Of course, you can request a phone number change from your mobile service provider. You can also buy a new SIM card and activate it by following our guide or opt for an eSIM.
iPhones also offer dual-SIM functionality. However, you need to be running iOS 12.1 or later on one of these iPhone models:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
What’s more, as with Android phones, some iPhones might only work with a SIM card provided to the carrier they’re locked to. If this applies to you, follow our guide on how to unlock an iPhone and use any SIM.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
After successfully obtaining a new phone number, you would also like to change it on accounts linked to your old number, such as Apple ID, iCloud and other services.
Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Phone’ > ‘My Number’ to manually update your phone number if it doesn’t update automatically.
Also go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Messages and Settings’ > ‘FaceTime’ to ensure your new number is used for iMessage and FaceTime.
Changing your phone number can be a hassle, but it’s often necessary for privacy, safety or personal reasons. By following the steps above, you can smoothly transition to a new phone number on your iPhone or Android phone.
