October 30, 2026
Digital security experts warn of the potential dangers of changing phone numbers without taking the necessary preventive measures, stressing that this seemingly simple procedure may lead to losing access to vital electronic accounts that rely on the old number to receive verification codes and recover passwords.
The specialists stressed the need to begin a comprehensive review of the accounts linked to the old number and update their contact information, while giving priority to banking services, email, and platforms that activate the two-factor authentication feature.
To enhance security and avoid total reliance on SMS messages, it is recommended to activate alternative verification methods such as authentication apps and passkeys, as well as keep backup recovery codes in a secure environment.
Regarding instant messaging applications, specifically the “WhatsApp” application, experts stressed the necessity of using the “change number” feature integrated within the application – while taking a backup copy of the conversations when necessary – instead of resorting to creating a new account.
The report recommended the importance of keeping the old number operational throughout the transitional period, and fully verifying the success of the login process and receiving verification codes on the new number, before proceeding to cancel the old line permanently.
These warnings come in light of the possibility that telecommunications companies may re-introduce canceled numbers and allocate them to new users, which may open the door to unauthorized access attempts to accounts whose users have not previously updated their data.
