Buzz
When was the last time you updated your phone number? It’s likely you’ve been using the same one since your first phone, transferring it across devices over the years. Carriers now make it simple to retain your number when switching plans, allowing you to keep the same digits indefinitely.
However, with the rise of relentless spam calls, texts, and growing privacy issues, there’s a strong argument for changing your number now, even if it initially seems like more trouble than it’s worth.
Your phone is constantly bombarded with spam calls and messages
While many claim phone calls are a thing of the past, they remain widely used—unfortunately, often by spammers. You’ve likely experienced it: your iPhone or Android flags an incoming call as spam, displays a number eerily similar to yours, or shows a location that doesn’t make sense for anyone trying to reach you.
Spam isn’t limited to calls; texts are just as problematic. I’m bombarded almost daily with unwanted messages, ranging from lengthy car warranty offers to phishing attempts and suspicious PDFs I wouldn’t dare open. Even with the option to report spam texts to your carrier, stopping them feels like an endless battle.
Your phone number can be stolen by spammers
Spammers and malicious actors can obtain your phone number in numerous ways. Often, it’s sold by companies or organizations you trusted, along with other personal data. It might also be harvested from background check services or exposed in data breaches. The longer you’ve had your number, the more likely it’s circulating on multiple spam lists and shady platforms.
The advantage of a new number is starting fresh. While spammers may eventually find you, it will take time—and there are strategies to protect it longer (more on that later).
Updating your phone number is simpler and more affordable than most people assume
Switching your number might seem like a chore, requiring coordination with your carrier and notifying all your contacts. However, the process can be completed online in just minutes, often at little or no cost.
Verizon provides this service at no extra cost via the My Verizon app or website (though customer service charges $15). AT&T also allows free number changes if the number was activated within the last 30 days; otherwise, a $36 fee applies. AT&T even lets you personalize your new number by selecting the prefix and choosing from available options, ensuring it’s something memorable.
T-Mobile’s Scam Shield permits one free number change annually, with a $15 charge for additional changes. Sprint offers free number changes as well, though you can’t select your new number, which is a downside.
Switching your number isn’t the social inconvenience it’s often perceived to be
Informing friends and family about your new number is unavoidable. Until a mass-update solution exists, expect plenty of “new number, who’s this?” messages. However, it might not be as tedious as you imagine. Do you truly need to notify every single contact? Many numbers in your phonebook may no longer be relevant, and updating them might not be necessary.
Communication today extends far beyond phone numbers. While calls to your old number will fail, messages from loved ones might still reach you. For instance, iPhone users can be contacted via their Apple ID email, which supports iMessage and FaceTime. This allows you to update contacts with your new number when they reach out.
Third-party apps also play a significant role in communication. Friends on platforms like Messenger won’t notice your number change. WhatsApp, though tied to your number, allows you to update it within the app, ensuring your contacts can still reach you seamlessly.
Tips to protect your new number from spammers
Now that you’ve changed your number, take steps to prevent spammers from obtaining it again. One effective strategy is to avoid sharing your number altogether. Instead, provide an alternative method of contact.
Consider Google Voice: This service provides a secondary phone number linked to your primary one. It can handle calls and texts just like your main number while protecting your actual digits. Use it for signing up for accounts, job applications, or any situation requiring you to share your number with strangers, apps, or websites. This keeps your iPhone or Android from being overwhelmed with unwanted calls.
While not entirely foolproof, this approach significantly reduces risks. Background check companies might still access your new number, but services like DeleteMe can help remove your data from such sites. Limiting who has your number to trusted contacts will keep most spammers and scammers at bay.
