How to Change Your Phone Number After Identity Theft

The first thing you will want to do before you change your number after being a victim of data theft is compile a list of accounts associated with your phone number. After you've done that, we’ve assembled a list explaining how to change your number on your major online accounts to help simplify the process for you.

We also recommend considering an identity theft protection service to help you avoid future leaks or hacks that could jeopardize your personal information.

How to request a new phone number

If your current phone number was stolen as part of an identity theft scam, it’s probably a good idea to get a new number. Most cell phone service providers allow you to change your wireless number at least once. Here’s what to know about each major service provider:

AT&T

AT&T lets you change your number for free if it’s within 30 days of activating your current phone number. But if it’s been 30 days or more, you’ll need to pay a $36 change fee. You can request a new AT&T phone number in a store, on the myAT&T app, or by contacting customer service. You can also make changes directly via the AT&T website (att.com).

T-Mobile (and Sprint)

You’ll need to contact T-Mobile to request a new number. You’re allowed one free number change per year, and any changes after that cost money. Check with T-Mobile directly for current fees

Verizon Wireless

Verizon doesn’t list how many times you can change phone numbers, but it does note that you can avoid the $15 fee by requesting a change in the My Verizon app instead of calling customer service.

How to change your phone number on Google

Google notes on its support website that it may take up to 7 days for your new number to be recognized and used with Google.

iPhone or iPad

1. Click on the Gmail app. If you do not use Gmail, use myaccount.google.com in your web browser.
2. Select your profile picture at the top right and select Manage Your Google Account.
3. Tap Personal info.
4. Click Phone under Contact Info.
5. Tap Edit next to your phone number, then tap Update Number.
6. Follow the prompts to completion.

Desktop computer

1. Log in to your Google account.
2. Navigate to Personal Info.
3. Click Phone under Contact Info.
4. Tap Edit next to your phone number, then tap Update Number.
5. Follow the prompts to completion.

You can also delete an old phone number on either application by following the same steps listed above.

How to change your phone number on Meta apps (Facebook and Instagram)

The Meta apps allow you to easily add and remove phone numbers associated with your account. The company also recommends adding an email to your account in case you lose your phone number.

First, access the Meta Accounts Center. The path is the same on Facebook and Instagram. You'll tap your profile picture, tap the Settings icon, and at the very top, you'll tap the Meta Accounts Center box.

Add a phone number

1. Inside the Accounts Center, scroll down to Account settings and tap Personal details.
2. Tap Contact info.
3. Tap Add new contact, then select Add mobile number.
4. Enter your new phone number and select the accounts (Facebook, Instagram, or both) you want this number to be associated with.
5. Tap Next. You will receive a confirmation code via SMS. Enter it to verify the number.

Remove a phone number

1. Stay in the Contact info screen.
2. Tap on your old phone number.
3. Tap Delete number.
4. Confirm the deletion. Meta may ask for your password one last time to finalize the change.

How to change your phone number on X

To update your phone number on the X app, go to your navigation menu.

1. Select Settings and Privacy.
2. Select Account.
3. Tap Phone number.
4. Verify your password (prompted before you can proceed).
5. Choose Update number.
6. Follow the prompts to completion.

X offers a plethora of information about your phone number in its phone FAQ section on the website, including the importance of having a number associated with your X account and why it is important to keep your number current.

How to change your phone number on TikTok

Like many social media platforms, TikTok suggests adding an email to ensure a smoother account recovery process. They also offer two-factor authentication for a more secure experience. You can keep your phone number up to date by following the instructions below. 

Note: If the steps don't match your app version, look for "Contact Us" or "Still need help?" to proceed with the number change.

1. In the TikTok app, click Profile.
2. Select the Menu button at the top of the page.
3. Click Settings and Privacy.
4. Choose Manage Account
5. Click Phone Number.
6. Select Change Phone. TikTok will then ask you to verify your identity and old phone number with a code.
7. On the next screen, enter your new phone number and then hit Send Code.
8. Verify your new phone number by selecting the code

Please note that step six requires verification of your old phone number. If your old phone number is no longer active, follow the steps below to contact TikTok support.

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Click on your Profile icon.
3. In the top right, click the three horizontal bars to open the menu.
4. Choose Settings and Privacy.
5. Scroll to the support section and click on Report a Problem.
6. Choose Account and Profile.
7. Choose Email and Phone Number.
8. Click on “Changing the phone number or email associated with an account.”
9. When it asks if your problem is resolved, hit No.
10. Tap Need More Help?
11. Enter your details in the three boxes provided.
12. Hit Submit.

After you complete this process, TikTok support should contact you about the issue.

How to change your phone number on WhatsApp

To update your WhatsApp number, you can only change your phone number on your primary device. You won't be able to change your number on a linked device like a desktop or through the web app. 

1. Open WhatsApp settings.
2. Go to Account.
3. Click Change Number.
4. Enter your old phone number in the first prompt and your new phone number in the second prompt. Make sure both numbers are in the international number format with your country code, area code, and seven-digit phone number.
5. Hit Next.
6. Choose between notifying all contacts or custom contacts.
7. Hit Done.
8. Follow the prompts to register your new phone number.

How to change your phone number on YouTube

In order to sign into YouTube, you will have to use your Google account. Because Google and YouTube are seamlessly connected, you only need to follow the same procedure to change your Google phone number, and your number will update on YouTube as well.

iPhone or iPad

1. Click on the Gmail app. If you do not use Gmail, use myaccount.google.com in your web browser.
2. Select your profile picture at the top right and select Manage Your Google Account.
3. Tap Personal info.
4. Click Phone under Contact Info.
5. Tap Edit next to your phone number, then tap Update Number.
6. Follow the prompts to completion.

Desktop computer

1. Log in to your Google account.
2. Navigate to Personal Info.
3. Click Phone under Contact Info.
4. Tap Edit next to your phone number, then tap Update Number.
5. Follow the prompts to completion.

How to change your phone number on Reddit

A phone number is not required to set up a new Reddit account. To initially obtain an account, you will only need to sync either your Google account or Apple ID. You can also create an account with an email address.

If you previously set up two-factor authentication on Reddit and need to change the phone number you used, you will most likely need to submit a support ticket to update it. This is especially true if you cannot remember the backup codes provided during the two-factor authentication setup process. However, 2FA on Reddit uses authenticator apps, not SMS, so keep that in mind.

How to change your phone number on Snapchat

Snapchat authorizes one account per unique email or phone number. You can easily change your phone number by following the steps below.

1. Go to the Profile screen, then click Settings.
2. In the My Account section, choose Mobile Number.
3. Enter your mobile number and click Verify.
4. When you receive a pop-up, click Send via SMS to receive your verification code.
5. You can choose to receive the verification code via phone call by clicking the "Call me instead" option.
6. Enter your verification code from the SMS or phone call and hit Continue.

How to change your phone number on LinkedIn

Your personal phone number is never displayed on your LinkedIn account, but it is recommended to include it for account recovery. You can add and remove your phone numbers through LinkedIn’s settings.

1. Locate and click on the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn page.
2. Choose Settings & Privacy.
3. Under Sign in & security, select Account access.
4. Find Phone Numbers and tap Change.
5. Click Add Phone Number in the New Phone Number tab.
6. Select the appropriate country from the dropdown and enter your new phone number.
7. Click Send Code.
8. Enter your LinkedIn password and click Done.
9. Enter your verification code and hit Confirm.
10. Once confirmed, click Make primary next to the new number.

To remove your phone number from LinkedIn, follow this same process, clicking Remove Phone Number in step five.

Why change your phone number?

Your phone number is one of the most important parts of your personally identifiable information (PII) that you own. It is used to verify your identity, communicate with you, and pinpoint your location. It’s no wonder that phone numbers (and SIM cards) are targeted by thieves.

If you've recently been the victim of identity theft, then changing your phone number is one of the best ways to protect yourself from repeated identity theft and can also stop spam calls. There are also various software services and tools that can protect you from repeated identity theft. 

Featured identity theft protection services

Bottom line

Being a victim of identity theft can be a horrible experience, but there are steps you can take to prevent repeated victimization. One of those critical steps is getting a new phone number and updating it on your social media platforms. Moreover, you may also want to consider deleting social media sites or general online accounts you no longer use.

Changing your phone number, along with shedding unnecessary online accounts, may help prevent you from being targeted by criminals. Remaining proactive about which sites have access to your phone number is an important step in keeping your identity safe.

Additionally, you should check out an identity theft protection service to monitor your credit and bank accounts. Many also offer social media and dark web monitoring to further ensure your data remains secure.

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