How to Change Your Phone Number in Your Google Account?
When you sign up for a Google account, you’re asked to enter a phone number that can be used for account recovery and other important notifications. However, sometimes you might need to change this phone number due to various reasons. In this article, we will guide you on how to change your phone number in your Google account.
Why Change Your Phone Number?
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand why you might need to change your phone number in your Google account. Here are some common reasons:
- You got a new phone or plan: You might have switched to a new phone or carrier, making the previous phone number invalid.
- You want to use a different number for 2-Step Verification (2SV): You might want to add an additional layer of security to your account by using a different phone number for 2SV.
- You’re experiencing issues with your current number: If you’re experiencing issues with your current phone number, such as receiving too many spam calls or texts, you might want to change it to a new number.
- You’re no longer using your phone number: If you’re no longer using your current phone number, there’s no need to keep it associated with your Google account.
How to Change Your Phone Number in Your Google Account
Changing your phone number in your Google account is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sign in to Your Google Account
To start, sign in to your Google account using your email address and password. If you’re using a third-party app or service, you can use the same process.
Why is this important?
Making sure you’re signed in to the correct account ensures that you’re making changes to the right account.
Step 2: Go to Your Account Settings
Click on the Settings icon (represented by a gear icon) located at the top right corner of the Google account page. From the drop-down menu, select "Sign-in & security" or "Account & security" (the exact term may vary depending on your device or browser).
What do I need to update?
In this step, you’re updating the recovery information for your Google account.
Step 3: Update Your Phone Number
Scroll down to the "Recovery email" or "2-Step Verification" section, depending on your account type. Click on the "Add recovery email" or "Update" button. You will be directed to the "Phone number" section.
- Add a new phone number: Enter your new phone number and click "Add" to add it to your account.
- Remove a phone number: Select the phone number you want to remove and click "Remove" to confirm.
Important Note:
If you’re removing a phone number, make sure you have another recovery method set up, such as a recovery email or another phone number.
Step 4: Verify Your Changes
After updating your phone number, you’ll receive a verification code on your new phone number. Enter this code in the Google account settings to complete the process.
What to Do if You’re Having Trouble?
- Contact Google Support: Reach out to Google’s support team for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot any issues or update your phone number manually.
- Try again later: If you’re experiencing issues, try again later. Sometimes, the process might take a few minutes to complete.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Dual-Step Verification: Consider enabling 2SV for your Google account, which will send you a code to your new phone number when you log in.
- Recovery Information: Make sure you have other recovery methods set up, such as a recovery email or another phone number.
- Accounts Linked to the Phone Number: Update other accounts linked to your old phone number to reflect the new number.
Conclusion
Changing your phone number in your Google account is a simple process. By following these steps and considering the additional tips and considerations, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new phone number. Remember to carefully update any linked accounts and set up alternative recovery methods to keep your Google account secure.