How to Add or Change the Phone Number on Your Apple ID

Your Apple ID phone number is the contact number Apple uses to reach you about account security, password resets, and two-factor authentication codes

When you set up an Apple ID, you provide a phone number. This number becomes part of your account security — Apple sends verification codes to it when you sign in from a new device, and uses it to help you recover your account if you forget your password. You can add a phone number during setup, or add one later if you skipped that step. You can also change it whenever your phone number changes or you want to use a different one.

The phone number you add does not have to be an iPhone number. It can be any working mobile or landline number where you can receive text messages or phone calls. Many people add multiple phone numbers to their Apple ID so they have a backup if one stops working.

Key Takeaways

You can add or change your Apple ID phone number on any device by signing into your account settings — you do not need to call Apple or visit a store.
Apple sends two-factor authentication codes to your phone number, so it must be a number where you can receive texts or calls within a few minutes.
You can add up to three phone numbers to a single Apple ID, and mark one as your primary number for recovery.
If you change your phone number and forget to update your Apple ID first, you can still recover your account using your recovery key or a trusted device.

Adding a phone number on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap Edit. Scroll down to the Phone Numbers section and tap Add Phone Number. Type the number you want to add, choose whether it is a mobile or other type, then tap Next. Apple will send a verification code to that number — enter the code when it arrives, and the number is now part of your account.

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your Apple ID at the top of the sidebar, then click Edit next to your name. In the Phone Numbers section, click the plus sign, type the number, and follow the same verification steps. The process is identical across all devices — you are updating the same Apple ID account, so the change appears everywhere once it is verified.

Changing your primary phone number

Your primary phone number is the one Apple uses first when sending verification codes or recovery information. If you have added multiple numbers and want to change which one is primary, open your account settings, find the phone number you want to make primary, and look for an option to mark it as primary or default — the exact wording varies slightly by device, but the button is always in the phone numbers section.

If you want to remove a phone number entirely, open the phone numbers section, find the number, and tap or click the delete or remove option next to it. You must have at least one phone number on your account if two-factor authentication is turned on, which it is by default for most Apple IDs created after 2016.

What to do if you cannot access the phone number you added

If you added a phone number to your Apple ID but no longer have access to it — because you changed carriers, lost the phone, or the number was reassigned — you have several options. The fastest is to sign in on a device where you are already signed in to that Apple ID. On that device, go to your account settings and change the phone number to a new one you do control. Apple will not ask for a verification code on a device you are already using.

If you do not have access to any device where you are already signed in, you can recover your account using your recovery key (a code Apple gave you when you turned on two-factor authentication) or by answering security questions you set up when you created your Apple ID. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the recovery steps. This process takes longer than updating from a signed-in device, but it works even if you have lost access to all your devices and phone numbers.

Adding a phone number during Apple ID setup

When you first create an Apple ID on a new device, you will see a screen asking for a phone number. This step is optional — you can skip it and add a number later. However, adding one during setup is simpler because you are already in the account creation flow. Type a number where you can receive texts or calls, and Apple will send a verification code when ready. Once you enter the code, the number is confirmed and active.

If you skip this step during setup, you can add a phone number anytime afterward by going to your account settings. There is no penalty for adding it later, and you can add or change it as many times as you need.

Why Apple needs your phone number and how it is used

Apple uses your phone number for two main purposes: two-factor authentication and account recovery. When you sign in to your Apple ID on a new device or browser, Apple sends a six-digit code to your phone number. You enter that code to complete the sign-in, which prevents someone else from accessing your account even if they have your password. This is a security feature, not a marketing tool — Apple does not use your phone number to contact you about sales or promotions unless you separately subscribe to those communications.

Your phone number is also used if you need to recover your account. If you forget your password or get locked out, Apple can send a recovery code to your phone number as proof that you own the account. Without a working phone number on file, account recovery takes much longer and requires you to answer security questions or use a recovery key instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a landline instead of a mobile phone?

Yes. A landline works for receiving phone calls from Apple, but not for text messages. If you add a landline, make sure you can answer calls during business hours, because Apple may call instead of text when sending verification codes or recovery information.

What happens if I add a phone number but never verify it?

The number will not be active on your account. Apple requires you to enter the verification code sent to the number before it becomes part of your account. If you do not verify it within a few minutes, you can request a new code or try again later.

Can someone else see the phone number on my Apple ID?

No. Your phone number is private account information. Other people cannot see it, even if they know your Apple ID email address. Only you and Apple can see the phone numbers associated with your account.

Do I need to update my Apple ID phone number if I get a new phone?

Not when ready. Your Apple ID phone number is separate from your device — it stays the same whether you have an iPhone, Android phone, or no phone at all. Update it only if your actual phone number changes or you want to use a different number for verification codes.

What if I add a wrong number by mistake?

Go back to your account settings and delete the incorrect number, then add the correct one. You will need to verify the new number with a code before it becomes active. If you cannot delete it yourself, you can recover your account at iforgot.apple.com and update your phone number during the recovery process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.