How to change your phone number across your devices and accounts

Changing your phone number involves two separate tasks: updating the number your carrier has on file, and then updating that new number everywhere you use it. Your carrier handles the first part — they reassign your old number to someone else and give you a new one. The second part falls to you: updating your new number in your phone's settings, your email accounts, messaging apps, social media, banking apps, and anywhere else that has your contact information on file.

The process takes a few hours to a few days depending on how many accounts you use. Start with your carrier, then work through your most important accounts first — email, banking, and two-factor authentication settings — before moving to social media and less critical services.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your MVNO) to request a new number; the change usually takes effect within hours.
  • Update your phone's own settings first, then move to email accounts, since many services use email to verify your identity when you change your phone number.
  • Change your phone number in any app that uses two-factor authentication — banking apps, Google, Apple ID, and Microsoft accounts — before you forget your old number.
  • Social media, messaging apps, and other services can be updated afterward, but doing them sooner prevents confusion with contacts trying to reach you.

Requesting a new number from your carrier

Call your carrier's customer service line or visit a physical store to request a new phone number. You will need to verify your account — usually by providing your account number, the phone number you want to change, and a PIN or password. Most carriers can issue a new number immediately, though it may take a few hours to activate on your account.

Ask the representative to confirm your new number before you hang up, and ask whether there are any fees. Most carriers do not charge for a number change, but some MVNOs (smaller carriers that use larger networks) may. Write down your new number and the date it becomes active.

Once your new number is active, your old number is released back into the carrier's pool and will eventually be assigned to someone else. You will not be able to use your old number again through that carrier.

Updating your phone's settings and contacts

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone and look for a field labeled "My Number" or similar. Some carriers do not populate this field automatically, so you may need to enter your new number manually. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually lives in Settings > About Phone > Phone Number or Settings > System > About Phone. If you do not see the option, your carrier may have already updated it on their end.

Next, update your contacts. Go through your contact list and update any entry that lists your own number — often labeled "Me" or "Self". This prevents confusion when you text or call someone and they see an unfamiliar number in their recent calls.

If you use a contacts app that syncs across devices (Google Contacts, iCloud Contacts, or Outlook), updating your number in one place will sync to all your devices. If you use a local contacts list that does not sync, you will need to update it on each device separately.

Updating email accounts and two-factor authentication

Your email account is the gateway to resetting passwords and recovering access to almost every other account you own. Update your phone number in your email settings before you do anything else. In Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security" in the left menu, scroll to "How you sign in to Google," and update your recovery phone number. In Outlook, go to account.microsoft.com, click "Security" in the left menu, and update your phone number there.

Next, update your phone number in any app that uses two-factor authentication — the security feature that sends a code to your phone when you sign in. This includes your bank's app, Apple ID (Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security on iPhone, or appleid.apple.com on other devices), Google Account (myaccount.google.com > Security), and Microsoft Account (account.microsoft.com > Security). If you do not update these before your old number stops working, you may lock yourself out of your own accounts.

Some services offer backup authentication methods — like an authenticator app or backup codes. If your bank or email offers these, set them up now as a safety net in case you cannot receive a text message.

Updating messaging apps and social media

WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and other messaging apps tied to your phone number will prompt you to verify your new number the next time you open them. Follow the prompts to confirm your new number. Your chat history will remain intact, but your contacts may see a notification that your number has changed.

Update your phone number in social media accounts where it is listed. On Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information and update your phone number. On Instagram, go to Settings > Account > Phone Number. On Twitter/X, go to Settings & Privacy > Account > Phone Number. On TikTok, go to Profile > Settings & Privacy > Account > Phone Number.

You do not need to update these immediately — they are less critical than email and banking — but doing so prevents contacts from reaching you through an old number and reduces the chance that someone else gets your old number and receives messages meant for you.

Notifying your contacts

Send a message to your important contacts with your new number. A text message to your old number will not reach you anymore, so use email, social media, or a messaging app to let people know. You can also update your status on social media or messaging apps to announce the change.

If you use a business phone number or have clients or colleagues who contact you regularly, send a more formal notification — an email or a message through your work communication platform. Include the date the change takes effect so people know when to start using the new number.

What to do if you need your old number back

If you change your mind shortly after requesting a new number, contact your carrier immediately — usually within 24 to 48 hours. Some carriers will restore your old number if it has not yet been reassigned to someone else. After that window closes, your old number may be gone permanently.

If you realize weeks or months later that you need your old number, your carrier may be able to retrieve it if it is still available, but there is no may provide. The longer you wait, the less likely your old number is still in the carrier's inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my text messages and call history when I change my number?

Your text messages and call history stay on your phone — they are stored locally on your device, not tied to your phone number. However, any new messages sent to your old number will go to whoever gets that number next, so you will not receive them.

Do I need to update my number in every app I use?

You only need to update apps that actually store your phone number or use it for authentication. Apps like social media, email, and banking should be updated. Apps that do not ask for your phone number during setup do not need updating. Messaging apps that are tied to your phone number (like WhatsApp) will prompt you automatically.

What happens if someone texts my old number after I change it?

Your old number will eventually be reassigned to another person. Any texts sent to that number will reach the new owner, not you. This is why it is important to notify your contacts quickly and update your number in services like banking and two-factor authentication.

Can I keep my old phone number if I switch carriers?

Yes, through a process called number porting. Contact your new carrier and ask about porting your number from your old carrier. You will need your account number and PIN from your old carrier. The process usually takes a few days and may have a small fee, though many carriers waive it.

How long does it take for my new number to work everywhere?

Your carrier activates your new number within hours, but it can take 24 to 48 hours for the number to propagate through all the networks and directories. During this time, some people may have trouble reaching you, or calls may route to your old carrier. This is normal and resolves on its own.