These days our phone numbers are intrinsically linked to us. Everything that matters from bank accounts, utility bills, social media platforms, food delivery apps, ride-sharing apps, and email accounts are all connected to phone numbers in one way or the other. Phone numbers are also a primary way that family and close friends contact us.
Because of that, switching phone numbers at once will cause trouble. You need to strategize to be on the safe side. Otherwise, you will end up losing your most precious data in the process.
Listed below are some tips to ensure you have peace of mind while changing your phone number.
- Verify your contact database
The first tip is to ensure your contact’s database is in order. It guarantees that you can still contact the numbers after the switch. Double-check essential contacts to make sure their numbers are authentic.
- Backup your contacts
Manually backing up saved contacts is very important. While the so-called cloud promises to have an up-to-date copy of your contacts, please don’t take their word for it. You should manually backup your contacts because you never know. Manual back up will help save all contacts stored on your phone and the soon-to-be-defunct SIM card.
- Update Details on Key Service Providers
Bank accounts, among other essential accounts, are linked to your phone number while signing up. It’s therefore sensible to ensure the bank knows you’re changing your primary phone number. Call them and update them on the upcoming changes, so the main phone number is replaced with the new one. Banks that are all-digital make the process easier by logging in their website or application and updating your contact information.
Additionally, you should update the phone number changes to other vital service providers. These include tax agencies, schools, couriers, lending institutions, insurance service providers, cable, internet providers, utility companies, etc. If you’re a business person, informing vendors and suppliers is also necessary.
- Update Social Accounts
Over half of the world population is online, and the primary currency of navigation is creating accounts. These accounts are linked to us by being tied to our phone numbers in one way or the other. Before you make the switch, update the contact information on all accounts, including email, social media, ride-sharing services, and any other place you have an account.
If your phone number is used a 2FA on a specific account, updating the contact information ensures you can still log in.
And for the ubiquitous instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, you need to directly change your phone number by heading over to Settings > Account > Change number and then following instructions. Different platforms have different ways of doing it.
- Tell Everyone You’re Switching
The next step is to update your contacts so they can still get in touch with you. Send everyone a text message, or a call if possible, and inform them. Curate a personal message and send it in bulk to all your contacts. However, your employer / employees, customers, and family might need a follow-up so they don’t think it’s a hoax.
Conclusion
Changing your phone number can be caused by various reasons. But knowing these tips help ensure you have peace of mind after the switch. You have all your contacts in place, and you can still be contacted by financial institutions, utility companies, and other service providers.
