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This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to update the phone number associated with your Apple ID. If you've recently changed your phone number, it's essential to update your trusted phone number to retain access to two-factor authentication and account recovery. If iMessage and FaceTime still display your old number, you can modify this information in Settings. Additionally, if your Apple ID uses a phone number instead of an email address (common in countries like China, India, and some other regions), you can update your Apple ID once you've switched to the new number.
Steps to follow
Update your trusted phone number
- Updating your phone number ensures that any verification codes sent by Apple, such as when logging in on a computer, will be directed to your new number instead of your old one. This also helps in recovering your account if it's ever locked.
Tap on the name displayed at the top of the screen.
Tap on Password & Security (Password and Security). This is the first option in the settings group.
Tap on Edit (Edit) next to "TRUSTED PHONE NUMBER" (Trusted Phone Number). This option is marked with blue text.
Tap on Add a Trusted Phone Number (Add Trusted Phone Number). This option is located just below your current trusted phone number.
Enter a new phone number and select a contact method. Choose the country code for the new phone number, and input the phone number in the provided field. You will also need to select the verification method for the trusted phone number, either by call or text message.
Tap on the Send button (Send). This option is located at the top of the screen. It triggers the sending of a verification code to the new phone number if you selected text message as the delivery method. If you chose the call option, you will need to receive a call and listen to the verification code.
Enter the 6-digit verification code sent to the new phone number. Once verified, the phone number will be added to your trusted list.
Tap the red circle with a minus sign next to the phone number you wish to delete. If you don't see this icon, tap Edit next to "TRUSTED PHONE NUMBER" once more.
Tap on Delete (Delete). A confirmation prompt will appear right after.
Tap on Continue (Continue). Now, your trusted phone number has been updated.
- Apple recommends adding more than one trusted phone number in case you lose access to your primary device. This could be a family member's or friend's number, or even a Google Voice number.
Change your iMessage and FaceTime phone number
Scroll down and tap on Messages (Messages). This option is found within the fifth settings group – look for the white chat bubble icon on a green background.
Tap on Send & Receive (Send and Receive). This option is located just below the "iMessage" toggle.
Tap on the new phone number. The phone number linked to your iPhone will appear in this list.
- If you don't see the new number, go back to the Settings menu and tap on Phone. If the new number doesn't show up next to "My Number", tap the field to update your number immediately.
Tap the back button twice. This action will return you to the Settings menu.
Tap on FaceTime. This option is located right below Messages – look for the white video camera icon against a green background.
Select the new phone number under the sections "You can be reached by FaceTime at" and "Caller ID". This ensures that the correct number is displayed when someone FaceTimes you (or you FaceTime them).
- If the old phone number still appears in these sections, tap it to uncheck it.
Update your phone number when your Apple ID is linked to your phone number.
Sign out of all devices where you've logged in using your Apple ID. This method is used if your Apple ID is your phone number, not an email address, and you want to update your number. Here's how to sign out of other devices:
- Mac: Open the Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview; if you’re using High Sierra or an older version, click iCloud. Click the blue Sign Out button, check the boxes next to the data you want to keep on your Mac, select Keep a Copy, and choose Keep on This Mac.
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch: Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password, tap Turn Off, check the boxes to keep data, tap Sign Out, and confirm once more.
- iCloud for Windows: Open the iCloud for Windows app and click Sign Out.
- If you have moved to another country, you must change your iPhone's region before you can add a phone number from that country. To do this, open Settings, tap your name, then select Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region > Change Country or Region.
- In mainland China or India, you cannot change your Apple ID's phone number to a different region. In China, you can only update your Apple ID phone number with another number using the +86 country code. In India, the new number must also use the +91 country code.
Tap on your name. This information is displayed at the top of the Settings menu.
Tap on Name, Phone Numbers, Email. This is the first option available.
Tap on Edit. It's the blue link next to "REACHABLE AT" just above your phone number.
Tap on Delete. A confirmation message will appear immediately.
Tap on Continue and follow the on-screen instructions. These instructions will guide you through adding and verifying your new phone number. Once verified, the new number will be linked to your Apple ID.
Sign in to your Apple ID on another device. After updating the phone number linked to your Apple ID on your iPhone, you can log in on any device that was previously logged out.
