I'm planning to change my phone number because I'm getting too many unwanted calls and I don't want a lot of people to have my current number. However, I'm worried that once I change my number, it will become inactive immediately, and since my current number is trusted for my Apple ID, I may get locked out of it when I change. I know my Apple ID password, so that's not a problem. What steps can I take to ensure I don't get locked out after changing my number?
3 Answers
Here’s a helpful link from Apple support on how to add or change trusted phone numbers: support.apple.com/en-us/122621. You can do this straight from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac in the settings. Just navigate to your account security settings.
Your Apple ID is typically tied to your email address, not just your phone number, so you shouldn't get locked out just for changing your number. However, keep in mind that for two-factor authentication, you still need a trusted number. It's best to update your trusted numbers before making the switch, so you don’t lose access. You can add your new number as trusted before dropping the old one.
So if I switch my number, I just need to make sure my new one is added first? That sounds doable!
Right, make sure to add your new number before you deactivate the old one!
A smart move is to add a friend or family member’s number as a backup before changing yours. That way, you can use their number to receive the verification code and add your new number without a hitch.
Great idea! I also have an iPad that's a trusted device; can I use that to help with the change instead?
Thanks! But can I add the new number if my old one is inactive? What if I can't receive codes?