Why and when to update your phone number
Your phone number in Google Account serves two purposes: it lets Google send you security codes when you sign in from a new device, and it's how the company can help you regain access if you forget your password. If you've changed phone carriers, switched to a new phone, or straightforward want to use a different number for your account, updating it takes about five minutes and requires no special permissions.
The best time to change your number is right after you get a new phone or switch carriers — before you need it for a security code. If you're switching numbers and keeping your old phone briefly, do the update while you still have both devices. This way, if Google sends a verification code to your old number during the change, you can receive it when ready.
You can change your phone number on any device where you're signed into Google: a computer, phone, or tablet. The steps are identical regardless of which device you use.
Key Takeaways
- Your phone number in Google Account is used for security codes and account recovery, so keeping it current protects your access.
- You can change your number from any device by going to myaccount.google.com, selecting "Security" in the left menu, and updating the phone number under "How you sign in to Google."
- Google may ask you to verify the new number by texting a code back or entering a code sent to your old number, depending on which number you're replacing.
- If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you can remove it without adding a new one, though this makes account recovery harder if you forget your password.
Step-by-step: updating your phone number on a computer
Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in with your Google email and password if you're not already signed in. On the left side of the screen, you'll see a menu with several options — click on "Security".
Scroll down until you see a section called "How you sign in to Google." Under this section, look for "Phone number" and click on it. If you already have a phone number saved, you'll see it listed here. Click the pencil icon or the "Edit" button next to the number to change it.
A box will appear asking you to enter your new phone number. Type in your new number, including the country code if you're outside the United States (for example, +44 for the United Kingdom). Make sure you enter the number exactly as you would dial it. Click "Next" when you're done.
Google will now verify that the new number belongs to you. You'll see a message asking how you want to receive a verification code — usually either by text message or by phone call. Choose whichever method works for you and click "Send." Within a few seconds, you should receive a code on your new phone. Enter this code into the box on the screen and click "Verify." Your phone number is now updated.
Updating your phone number on an Android or iPhone
Open the Google Account app on your phone. If you don't have it installed, you can read it free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Tap the "Security" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Scroll down to "How you sign in to Google" and tap "Phone number." If a number is already saved, tap the pencil icon to edit it. Enter your new phone number, including the country code, and tap "Next."
Google will send a verification code to your new number by text or call. Choose your preferred method and tap "Send." When the code arrives, enter it and tap "Verify." The update is complete.
What to do if you can't receive codes on your old number
If you've already switched phone numbers and no longer have access to your old number, you can still update your account — but the process is slightly different. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security," and find "Phone number" under "How you sign in to Google." Click the pencil icon.
Instead of being asked to verify with a code sent to your old number, Google will ask you to verify the new number by text or call. Complete this verification as normal. If Google cannot reach you on the new number either, you may be asked to verify your identity another way — for example, by answering security questions you set up previously or by using a backup email address.
If you have no way to verify the new number and no backup recovery method set up, contact Google Account Support through myaccount.google.com. Click the help icon (question mark) in the top right corner and describe your situation. A support agent can help you regain control of your account.
Removing your phone number without adding a new one
You can remove your phone number from your Google Account without replacing it. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security," and find "Phone number" under "How you sign in to Google." Click the pencil icon, then look for a "Remove" or "Delete" button at the bottom of the box.
Google will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the number. Keep in mind that without a phone number on file, you won't receive security codes by text if you sign in from a new device. You'll need another way to verify your identity — usually a backup email address or security questions. Make sure you have at least one other recovery method set up before you remove your phone number.
Keeping your recovery information current
Your phone number is one of several ways Google can help you back into your account if something goes wrong. To make sure you're never locked out, keep your recovery information up to date alongside your phone number. This includes a backup email address and security questions with answers only you would know.
Check your recovery information every time you make a major change — new phone, new email, new address. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Security," and scroll to "How we can reach you." Make sure your backup email is current and that your security questions still have answers you remember. The few minutes you spend now can save you hours of frustration if you ever need to recover your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my phone number sign me out of Google on my devices?
No. Changing your phone number in your Google Account settings does not sign you out of Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, or any other Google service on your devices. You stay signed in. The phone number is only used when you try to sign in from a new device or when you need account recovery.
What if I get a verification code but it doesn't work?
Codes usually expire after 10 minutes. If your code expired, go back and request a new one. Make sure you're typing the code exactly as it appears in the text message, with no extra spaces. If the code still doesn't work after a second attempt, try requesting the code by phone call instead of text message.
Can I have more than one phone number on my Google Account?
Google Account allows only one primary phone number for security codes and sign-in. However, you can add multiple recovery phone numbers under "How we can reach you" in the Security section. These are used only if you need to recover your account, not for regular sign-in codes.
Do I need to change my password when I change my phone number?
No. Your password and your phone number are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. However, if you're changing your phone number because your old phone was lost or stolen, you should change your password as a precaution.
What happens if I change my number but Google sends a code to my old number by mistake?
This is rare, but if it happens, the code will go to your old number and you won't be able to receive it. Contact Google Account Support through myaccount.google.com and explain that you recently changed your number. They can help you verify your identity another way and regain access to your account.