Here’s how to use your previous phone number to authenticate yourself or reset passwords:
The simplest course of action is to not worry about your phone number and make use of the other tools provided by the account’s administrator.
In most cases, you can use things like email addresses, backup phone numbers, security questions, and other things to demonstrate your identity.
If you are in dire need of the previous phone number, ask your carrier for assistance.
This post is for you if you want to find out everything about how to retrieve an old phone number.
Let’s get going!
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Why Do You Need the Old Phone Number?
The foundation of a lot of internet-based security is authentication.
The software tries to employ tools that let you authenticate yourself.
This stops outsiders from accessing your accounts, which is crucial for several sorts of accounts.
Your phone number is linked to a lot of the security.
It is assumed that you are who you say you are if you know your password and can access your saved phone number.
But, it could become challenging to identify yourself if you don’t have access to an old phone number that you used with one or more of your accounts.
The realm of two-factor authentication is the perfect example of this issue.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is the most frequent security problem that two-factor authentication users encounter.
The vast majority of online accounts in the world use this.
It’s an excellent security measure most of the time, but occasionally it can lead to issues.
This is how it goes.
You give a phone number and an email address for verification when you create your account (or choose two-factor authentication).
Generally, if you forget your password, you can reset it using either your phone number or your email address to confirm your identity.
You need to use the email address or phone number to login in to a device with two-factor authentication.
You will either get an email or a text message with a temporary code after you enter the password.
To sign in to your account, you must also enter that code.
The problem is this.
Many services allow you to set up two-factor authentication with just your phone number and not your email address, which is sometimes encouraged.
If this is the case, you won’t be able to pass the verification process if you no longer have access to a previous phone number.
Even though your email address can be used to reset your password, this still doesn’t fix the problem with two-factor authentication.
You’re helpless.
How Do You Access Your Accounts With an Old Phone Number? (3 Systems)
Hence, security procedures like two-factor authentication and others can be problematic.
What can you do when that is the case?
You have several choices.
You can attempt to call the previous phone number first.
It’s simple if you still possess the number.
You must obtain a SIM card, which may necessitate speaking with the carrier.
Talking to the carrier is an option if you no longer own the number, although it’s not always successful.
Even so, it is partially covered further down.
Using resources offered by the account holder is your third choice.
Find Apple resources if you require access to your Apple account.
You see what I mean.
#1 On iPhone
There are several solutions available if you’re working with an Apple ID.
Normally, you may log into the Apple ID and reset your two-factor authentication by going through a verification process to validate your identity.
You’ll need a device that is already reputable to achieve this.
You can speak with Apple support if you don’t have a reliable device.
They can reset some of your account’s security safeguards and use a conventional method to confirm your identity.
This is no longer a problem since with their assistance, you may update the phone number and retrieve the ID.
#2 On Android
The situation is very much the same whether you use an Android device.
To access your account and modify the associated phone number for two-factor authentication, use a trusted device.
If this isn’t possible, Google will let you verify using different techniques.
Google strongly advises customers to create backup email addresses or reliable phone numbers.
When two-factor authentication is not working, you can use them to recover an account.
You can contact Google support to learn more options if none of this works.
It might be a good idea to create a backup email and/or phone number once you’ve managed to regain the account.
#3 For Third-Party Accounts
What if your account is unrelated to Apple or Google?
There are many various types of accounts out there, and each will have a unique setup.
Find alternative methods of confirming your identity.
You can access your account and modify the phone number if you can get past that.
The best last resort, if that isn’t a possibility, is to contact the account’s tech support.
Systems are in place for situations like this for the majority of large businesses.
It can take a little longer and require more effort if you are working with a small or obscure company’s account.
Can You Get Access to the Old Phone Number?
There are ways to obtain the old number if you really need to, but there are some important restrictions along the route.
Contacting your carrier should be your first action.
A SIM card for the previous numbers can be activated so you can use it to get your account back.
They won’t just send you a new phone number any longer.
The best course of action is to visit a nearby store and work with them there.
They might be able to use one of the store’s phones to instantly activate a SIM card.
They can maintain track of that SIM card and the phone used to keep everything secure if you restore your account and change the phone number.
Having said that, you might not have much luck if the phone number has been reused.
Even if it was formerly your number, the carrier won’t allow you access to someone else’s phone number.
In this circumstance, a delay is your enemy.
In the end, all phone numbers are recycled.
Try to find a solution before that can happen with your old number; it’s only a question of time.
Another possibility exists.
You only need a SIM card connected to the old number if you still have control over it.
You can access the number by inserting the card into any functional phone.
You can continue when you reset your account.
