Mobile Phones > Android
There are two ways, the easiest being switching out the SIM card
By
Joshua Hawkins
Joshua Hawkins
Freelance Technology Reporter
- Full Sail University
Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life.
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Updated on February 6, 2024
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Reviewed byJon Fisher
- Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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In This Article
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In This Article
- Change Your SIM Card
- Call Your Provider
- Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know
- You can change your phone number by switching out the SIM card in your phone.
- You can also contact your cell phone service provider to initiate a number change.
- If you use an eSIM, you may be able to change your number through your provider’s website.
This article explains two ways to change the number on your Android without having to buy a new phone.
Change Your Phone Number by Changing Your SIM Card
The first and one of the simplest methods requires you to get an entirely new SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. The SIM card carries all the information tying your phone service to your provider. This includes your phone number and other important account info. As such, you can change your phone number by inserting a new SIM card that's tied to a different phone number.
This is an easier method if you’re using an unlocked phone that can be used on multiple networks, as you can simply order a SIM card from a new provider and then insert it into the phone. If you order a new SIM card from your current provider or if you’re using a phone with an eSIM, then you’ll need to speak with a customer service representative to change the phone number.
Change Your Phone Number by Calling Your Service Provider
The second method you can use to change your phone number is to contact your service provider. Most people will find this is the best way to go.
Depending on your carrier, you may be able to change your number online—for example, Verizon lets you change your number in your account settings. However, the availability of that option can vary greatly; T-Mobile makes you contact them to change your number.
To complete the process, simply contact your service provider on a different device, tell them you need to change your number, and then provide a reason for the change. Pretty much any reason will do, like saying you get a lot of spam calls, or even just because you moved. The representative will then walk you through the process and change your phone number.
There might be a fee associated with editing your phone number. For instance, it costs to change your AT&T number if it's been 30 days or longer since activation.
How Do You Change Your Phone Number on Your Phone?
There are two primary ways to change your phone number on your Android phone. It should be noted that some phones allow you to change the number listed in the Settings app. However, while you can edit the number in this field, it will not change your number with your provider. As such, you’ll still need to use one of the two methods listed above.
FAQ
How do I change my number in Hangouts Dialer for Android?
Google has discontinued Hangouts Dialer for Android, so you won't be able to use the app anymore—let alone change the number associated with it.
How do I change my Google Account number?
From the Google Phone Accounts page: Select your current phone number > Edit (the pencil icon) and then, from there, make your change.
How do I change my number on a Total Wireless Android phone?
You can change your number (among many other things) by texting the Total by Verizon text help line at 611611 and entering the associated keyword. Use the word "MINC" to request a number change.
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