Looking to switch up your mobile number? Whether it’s for security reasons, to dodge those pesky telemarketers, or just for a fresh start, changing your phone number in 2024 is straightforward.
You’re no longer stuck with the number you had when you bought your first phone. With mobile providers offering more flexibility than ever, a new number could be just a few clicks or a phone call away.
Before you jump in, it’s important to consider the impact of changing your number. You’ll want to update your contacts, adjust any two-factor authentication settings, and ensure your bank and other important services are on board with your new digits.
I made the mistake of changing my number without updating my 2FA logins first—it turned into a nightmare, and I spent countless hours on the phone trying to fix it.
But don’t worry, changing your mobile number is usually a quick process, and most carriers don’t charge a fee. They typically provide step-by-step guidance to make the switch as smooth as possible.
If you’re concerned about the hassle of notifying everyone about your new number, many carriers offer services to help you with that too.
The key is to be prepared—create a list of services and contacts you need to update, and tackle them one by one.
Before you know it, you’ll be fully set up with your new number, ready to connect and communicate with a sense of security and a fresh start.
Preparing to Change Your Mobile Number
Before you dive into changing your mobile number, let’s cover the essentials you’ll need to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Gather Required Documents & Keep Your Number!
When you’re ready to change your mobile number, having the right documents on hand is key.
You’ll need identity proof like a driver’s license or passport—something that clearly establishes who you are.
You can’t expect any company dealing with your personal data, to serve you without photo id, so make sure you have it ready.
Don’t forget to have proof of address documents ready as well, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to verify your location.
Keep these documents close by because they’re crucial for authentication.
- Identity Proof: Driver’s License or Passport
- Proof of Address: Utility Bill, Bank Statement
Keeping Your Old Number
It’s also important to hold onto your current number, especially since you’ll need it for updating your 2FA logins and general contact information.
So, how do you keep your old number while getting a new one? It’s simple—just request a new service. This way, you’ll get a new number while keeping your old one active.
This gives you time to transition all your contacts and logins from your old number to the new one. Once everything is switched over, you can then contact your service provider to cancel the old number.
Keep in mind, though, that you’ll be paying for two services until you cancel the old one, so it’s best to make the transition quickly.
Alternatively, you can port your current number to a prepaid service. For example, I put my old number on a $10 Amaysim prepaid plan, which gave me all the time I needed to switch my details over without any rush.
If your phone supports Dual SIM, you can even use both numbers simultaneously, making the transition even easier.
Updating 2FA & Contact Information
The next part of updating your number is to update all platforms of your change. Some platforms you will need to update your 2FA number for are:
- Youtube
- MyGov
- Gov Apps
- Any platform that requires 2FA.
You can typically view this in password managers as to where you will need to update the number.
How To Change Your Mobile Number
To change your mobile number, you need to contact your service provider or go into a store. This is a straightforward process and ensure you take the correct ID.
Simply proceed with requesting a new number, have your ID ready, and before you know it you will have a new number!
Some providers may be able to give you a nice number or even a premium number, however, the premium numbers do cost a lot of money.
For example, Telstra offers premium numbers for up to $400 and $200 for less premium numbers.
As mentioned above, be sure to keep your old number on a cheap plan or prepaid so you can switch over all information to the new number.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Changing your mobile number is a relatively straightforward process—the biggest challenge often lies in updating all your logins and contact details. However, with the right preparation, you can navigate this job smoothly.
By gathering the necessary documents ahead of time and keeping your old number active during the switch, you’ll minimize any disruptions to your daily life.
Taking the extra steps to inform your contacts and update your two-factor authentication settings will ensure that your online security remains intact.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way. With everything in place, you’ll be able to make the switch with confidence, knowing that you’ve covered all your bases.