Your phone number was leaked: what to do
Quick answer
A leaked number mostly leads to spam, scam texts and, in the worst case, SIM-swap attempts. Add a carrier PIN or port-out lock, move important accounts from SMS codes to an authenticator app or passkeys, and treat unexpected texts with links as phishing. Going forward, use a separate number for sign-ups you don't fully trust so your personal number appears in fewer databases.
Phone numbers show up in breaches all the time, often alongside names and emails. You can't un-leak it, but you can make it much less useful to anyone holding it.
Immediate steps
- Ask your carrier for a SIM PIN, account PIN or port-out lock.
- Switch email, Google, Apple and social accounts to an authenticator app or passkey.
- Check for unfamiliar devices signed in to your important accounts.
What to expect
More spam calls and texts, fake delivery notices, and messages that pretend to be your bank. Never click links in unexpected texts and never share a verification code.
Share it less
Give your personal number only to services that need to reach you. For one-time verification on your own accounts, a Noir SMS number keeps your personal number out of yet another database.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my number?
Usually not necessary. Securing the carrier account and 2FA covers the serious risks. Change it if harassment continues.
How do I know if my number was in a breach?
Breach notification services and your password manager may alert you. Treat any leak as likely for an old number.
Services in this guide
Keep reading
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