How to change the phone number on your Google account
Quick answer
Google uses phone numbers in two places: as a recovery phone and as a 2-Step Verification method. Change both in your Google Account at myaccount.google.com, under Personal info and under Security. Add the new number before removing the old one, and make sure you have another sign-in method, like an authenticator app or backup codes, so you don't lock yourself out.
If your Google account was verified with a temporary number, or you just changed carriers, updating the phone is important. The number lives in more than one setting, which trips people up.
Where the number is used
| Setting | Where | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery phone | Security, How you sign in | Account recovery |
| 2-Step Verification phone | Security, 2-Step Verification | Sign-in codes |
| Contact info phone | Personal info | Profile and some services |
Change it safely
- Add an authenticator app or print backup codes first.
- Add the new phone and confirm it with the code.
- Then remove the old one from each setting.
Accounts verified with a temporary number
A number used only to pass sign-up isn't always saved as a recovery phone, but check. If it is, replace it with your own number or remove it, and rely on a recovery email and an authenticator app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a Google account with no phone number?
Yes, after sign-up you can remove it, as long as you keep other recovery options.
Will changing my number log me out?
No, but Google may ask you to verify it's you first.
Does it affect Gmail or YouTube?
They use the same Google account settings.
What if I no longer have the old number?
Sign in with another method, then remove it.
Services in this guide
Keep reading
How to Move Two-Factor Authentication Off a Temporary Number
Step-by-step: switch an account's sign-in and recovery from a temporary number to an authenticator app, passkey, email or your own number.
Read the guide →Safety & privacyGoogle 2-Step Verification: how to set it up safely
How to turn on Google 2-Step Verification, which second step is safest (passkeys, prompts, authenticator, SMS) and how to avoid getting locked out.
Read the guide →App guidesCreating a Gmail or Google Account Without Your Phone Number
When Google asks for a phone number at sign-up and when it doesn't, how to verify a Gmail account with a virtual number, and how to secure it afterward.
Read the guide →App guidesHow to Use WhatsApp Without Your Own Phone Number
Can you use WhatsApp without number verification or a SIM? Why WhatsApp always checks a number, how to use a virtual one, the 2-step PIN and recycling.
Read the guide →App guidesTwo WhatsApp Accounts on One Phone: Methods and How to Get a Second Number
Run two WhatsApp accounts on one phone with built-in multi-account, WhatsApp Business or dual apps, and learn where to get the second number you need.
Read the guide →App guidesHow to Use Telegram Without Sharing Your Phone Number
Telegram requires a phone number to sign up, but you have options: Fragment anonymous numbers, virtual numbers, and privacy settings that hide your number.
Read the guide →