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How to Change a Phone Number? Step-By-Step Guide

how to change a phone number

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Looking to make a fresh start with a new phone number? To your joy, it's easy to change a phone number once you know the right process. You can change your phone number by simply replacing your SIM card or contacting your carrier to request a change. However, note that different carriers may have different processes for it.


When Do You Need to Change Your Phone Number?

In several circumstances, you may need to change your phone number. When you are dealing with unnecessary calls, security concerns, or moving to new locations, updating your number is a good idea.
 

Privacy Reasons: Privacy concerns arise when you provide your phone number to different unwanted parties. It can lead to harassment or security risks. So, getting a new number can safeguard your personal information.
 

Receiving Spam Calls: Spam calls are unwanted calls from telemarketers or scammers. These calls are not only annoying but can also cause financial damage. So, if you feel your number is exposed to scammers, get a new number immediately.
 

Moving to A New Location: When you move to a new location, you’ll need to adjust to a new local network and community. A local phone number can improve your communication with local contacts and services.
 

Professional Reasons: Using a separate phone number for professional and personal communication helps maintain work-life balance. So, if you own a business, you may want to use a separate business phone number to manage your work-related calls without mixing them with personal calls. 

How to Change Your Phone Number By Replacing a SIM Card?

Replacing your old SIM with the new one is the easiest way to change your phone number. You can simply get a new SIM and insert it into your mobile phone. Here’s how you can do it:
 

Purchase a New SIM Card: Buy a new SIM card from your preferred carrier or a local store.
 

Take Out Old SIM Card: Eject the old SIM from your mobile to make a place for a new one. (Note: Back up your contacts, messages, and other important data before taking out your old SIM).
 

Activate the New SIM Card: Insert the SIM into your mobile phone. Follow the carrier’s instructions to activate the new SIM card.
 

Transfer Data: Transfer your backup data to your new SIM.
 

To Replace Your Old SIM with a New One, Follow the Steps Provided.

How to Change Your Phone Number Through Your Carrier?

To change the phone number through the carrier, you can contact them directly and request a change. Many carriers also allow you to change using their app, or through their online account management system.
 

Different carriers may have different procedures. However, the process generally involves providing some basic information, such as your account details and the reason for the change.

AT&T

AT&T allows you to change your telephone number through their online account management system. The process is quick; it typically takes a few minutes to a few hours only. However, AT&T charges $36 for the service.

Here are the steps to follow:
 

  • Step 1: Go to the AT&T website and log in to your account.
  • Step 2: Go to the ‘My Wireless’ section and select your device.
  • Step 3: Choose ‘Change Your Number’.
  • Step 4: Follow the prompt instructions to provide your information regarding your basic details and reasons for the change.
  • Step 5: Confirm and submit your request.

T-Mobile

If you want to change a number with T-Mobile, then you’d need to contact their customer service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
 

  • Step 1:Call the T-Mobile customer service at 1-800-937-8997.
  • Step 2: Request the change. The agent will ask for details such as your current phone number, account PIN, and the reason for the change. Provide all the information asked.
  • Step 3: Review the information you provided with the agent. If all looks good, then confirm your request. 

Verizon

You can change your telephone number from Verizon using its official app. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store. You can download and request the change from the app itself. Here’s the detailed guideline:
 

  • Step 1: Open the Verizon app and log in to your account.
  • Step 2: Tap on the ‘Account’ option. Select ‘Manage Devices’ from the menu and choose your device.
  • Step 3: Select ‘Change Mobile Number.’ Then, provide the required information.
  • Step 4: Review the details of your request and confirm.

Comcast (Xfinity)

You can change your telephone number with Comcast using their online account management system. The process is quick and usually takes a few minutes to a few hours to complete. Follow these simple steps:
 

  • Step 1: Go to the official Xfinity website. Login to your account. 
  • Step 2: Head towards the ‘My Account’ section. Select ‘Manage Voice’ > ‘Change Number’ section.
  • Step 3: Provide the detailed information as per prompt instruction.
  • Step 4: Submit your request and wait for confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email or notification once the number is updated.

UScellular

UScellular allows you to change your telephone number online through their online account management system. It typically charges a fee for changing your number, usually around $30.
 

  • Step 1: Visit the UScellular website and log in to your account.
  • Step 2: Click on the ‘Subscribers’ tab. Under the ‘Search By Subscriber’ section, enter your current phone number.
  • Step 3: Tap on ‘Change Phone Number’ from the ‘Subscriber Info’ section.
  • Step 4: Fill in the required information, including the new area code, city, and state. Tap the ‘Change Phone Number’ button.
  • Step 5: You will receive a confirmation and further instructions on your screen. Follow the prompt instructions to complete the process.

How Do You Change Your Phone Number Using a VoIP Service?

If you are using a VoIP phone number, you can change your number online through your service provider’s app. In most service providers, the general process to switch your phone numbers includes:
 

Log in to Your VoIP Account: Access your VoIP service’s website or app and log in using your account credentials.
 

Navigate to Account Settings: Go to your account’s settings section. Look for similar options as ‘Change Number,’ ‘Manage Numbers,’ or ‘Edit Numbers.’
 

Enter Your New Number: Enter the new number you want to use. Provide any additional required information, such as your current phone number, account PIN, and basic details.
 

Review and Confirm: Review all the information you provided and confirm the change.

Things to Consider Before Changing Your Phone Number

Your phone number contains a lot of important information, including contact details. You may also have registered it with different service providers like banks, e-commerce sites, or social media. Before changing phone numbers, it’s important to back up important contacts and messages and update all linked accounts.

Backup Important Contacts: When you switch to the new number, make sure that you back up your important contacts, such as family members, friends, or business colleagues. Otherwise, you won’t be able to stay in touch with them easily. You can use cloud services or email backups to save those important contacts.
 

Update Linked Accounts: If you have linked your phone number to a banking service or other online services, notify them that you’re changing your phone number. Once you update them, they’ll deregister your mobile numbers. Then, after you get your new number, you can re-register with it. This step will help you avoid issues with login, two-factor authentication, or receiving important notifications in the future.

Impact on Personal and Professional Contacts: Before getting a new number, inform your family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Doing so will help you to prevent communication gaps with important people in your life. Consider sending a text or email to all your important contacts before switching to the new number.
 

Conclusion

Although you might feel attached to your old phone number, sometimes you may need to give away that number for various reasons like spam calls and privacy concerns. Initially, changing your phone number looks time-consuming. But once done, it provides big relief by giving you a fresh start.
 

Your carrier often offers to change your number when you need to. You can easily get a new number from them to replace your old one. Alternatively, you can also switch to VoIP phone numbers. Calilio offers these phone numbers online; you can easily switch at any time.
 

Changing Your Phone Number Can Provide Significant Benefits, from Reducing Spam Calls to Enhancing Privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change your cell phone number?

Yes, you can change your cell phone number. Most telecommunication service providers offer you the option to switch to a new number when you require it.

How do you change your phone number on an iPhone?

To change your phone number on an iPhone, contact your carrier. You can also use their app or website to request a change. Once the carrier provides you with the new number, update your phone settings by going to Settings > Phone > My Number and then enter your new number.

How can I change my SIM phone number?

To change your SIM phone number, contact your carrier for a new number. The carrier will instruct you to activate a new number on your existing SIM.

How to get a new phone number online?

You can get a new phone number online from Calilio. Simply register your account, sign in, and purchase your desired number.

How long does it take to change my phone number?

It depends on your service provider. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.


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