Whilst there is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should change your mobile number, there are a few issues and concerns that may come with keeping a mobile phone number for too long. For instance, did you know that once you have gotten rid of a SIM card and phone number, this number is then sold to another person?
This could mean that your phone number has been around for a long, long time, which could be the reason for those hundreds of marketing calls every year. Whilst changing your phone number can be a hassle, sometimes it’s worth the switch, especially if you want to change provider and get a better deal, you’re moving to a new area, or you want to separate your business and personal mobile number.
Below we look at five reasons why you might want to change your mobile phone number and how to change your number.
1. Moving to a New Area
If you are making a big move, you may also need to switch your mobile phone number. When moving to a new country, your old mobile number can be costly to maintain, and you may not be able to make calls and texts without a huge phone bill.
It makes perfect sense to change your mobile number if you are going to be living in a new place that has a different area code from your previous number. You may also consider keeping your old mobile number and getting a new one whilst you’re living in a new place, especially if the move isn’t permanent.
Apps like WhatsApp allow you to have a new number but keep your old number for WhatsApp contacts, which means you can still text your parents at home whilst spending a gap year in America.
2. Changing Your Provider
If your provider isn’t giving you the deal you want for the price you want it at, it may be time to consider switching. Although you can keep your old phone number when you get a new contract with a new provider, it can be just as easy to change your number, otherwise, you need to go through the hassle of getting a PAC code and letting your current provider know you are making the switch.
Not only does this mean you need to call your provider up and listen to 30 minutes of elevator music, but you will also likely be passed around two or three different retention people. This means explaining why you are leaving, whilst they try to offer you different deals to make you stay. This is not only a long, frustrating call, but one that many of us would find awkward.
Once you have requested a PAC code, you then must wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for your phone number to be switched over to your new SIM. If you use your phone daily for important things like work, waiting around for your SIM to work properly isn’t ideal. This can mean it’s easier to just use your new mobile number when you receive your SIM from your new provider.
3. Stalking or Harassment Concerns
Changing your mobile phone number is very important if you are being harassed or stalked by someone. This may be someone that still believes that the phone number is accessed by someone else, or an ex, who will not stop finding new ways to contact you. Whilst you can block someone on social media, it is harder to block someone who uses new numbers to call or text.
Not only is stalking and harassment a crime, but it can also be very distressing to receive constant calls and texts from someone you do not want in your life. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself against harassment is to change your mobile number. You should also be very careful who you give your new number to, and not to link it to your social media sites.
When switching your mobile number due to stalking or harassment concerns, make sure that your provider is aware of what has happened. This is because whoever uses your old phone number next may also suffer from the same treatment. You should also report this kind of stalking and harassment to the police.
4. Too Many Telemarketing Calls
There is nothing more infuriating than being constantly bombarded with telemarketing calls. This can be even worse if you are expecting an important call, as you are worried whether answering the phone or letting it go to voicemail is the right call. Telemarketing calls can border on harassment, and it can cause you to never answer your mobile to unknown numbers, which can cause problems if a healthcare facility or new job is trying to get in touch.
No matter how many telemarketing phone numbers you block, they always find a way to get in touch. If you are becoming increasingly annoyed by the alarming number of telemarketing calls on your mobile phone, it may be time to switch your phone number.
5. To Separate Your Business and Personal Mobile
Using a personal mobile phone number for business can soon become a problem, especially if your business begins to grow. Separating your business and personal mobile phone number is essential for a healthy work-life balance, so you can turn off your business mobile during important events or holidays, rather than being bombarded with work calls on your days off.
If your current mobile phone number is connected to your company, it may be time to get a new mobile number that is for personal use only. You can then keep your business mobile number for business, which can help you avoid any conflict of interest. It also looks more professional to have a business number that is used only for work.
How to Change My Phone Number
This section is for anyone wondering how to change their phone number without changing networks. How to change your phone number depends greatly on your current mobile phone provider. Some network providers allow you to change your mobile phone number online, whilst others will ask you to contact them directly. This could be through a phone call or online chat.
Your provider will want to know the reason for the change, especially if it has anything to do with telemarketing calls or harassment. This is so they are aware of any issues associated with the phone number for their future use. To protect someone else from nuisance calls, you must let your mobile provider know the true reason for your switch.
Some mobile providers may charge an administration fee for changing your mobile number with them, and you may need to be issued a new SIM. This will all depend on whether you are in a contract with your mobile provider and the reason for the switch. If you are on a pay-as-you-go SIM, it is often as easy as purchasing a new SIM card.
How to Change Number
This section is for anyone wondering how to change their number to a new network. If you want to start a contract or pay-as-you-go option with a new mobile provider, you have two options: either keep your old number or use the number on your new SIM. If you want to change your mobile number, simply remove your old SIM card, then replace it with your new SIM.
You may need to switch your phone on and off for your new SIM to work properly and to be able to use your mobile number. If you are keeping the same mobile, or you are backing up your information onto a new phone, you can then text your contacts and pass on your new number. Once this is complete, you may need to make a few important calls. If you use mobile banking, you will need to verify your new number with your bank to use mobile banking.
As 2-factor authentication is becoming very popular with many businesses, there may be a few websites where you need to update your mobile number so you can log in in the future. This shouldn’t take too long but it is essential if you don’t want to get locked out of any important accounts. Don’t forget to pass on your details to any healthcare facilities you use, such as your doctors and pharmacy.
If you want to keep your old phone number, you need to request a PAC code. This is given by your old provider and will allow your new provider to associate your mobile number with the new SIM card. Your new mobile provider can help with this if you are not sure what to do.
In Summary
As you can see, there are many reasons why changing your phone number is a good idea. If you are receiving too many unwanted calls and texts, changing your number can provide a welcome break. If there are people who have your number that you no longer wish to speak to, it may also be time to change your mobile number.
Changing your mobile number may be a necessity if you are moving to a new area or using your current mobile number for work-related matters. Whatever the reason, changing your mobile number can offer a variety of benefits.