Updating this phone number ensures that any time Apple needs to send you a verification code, such as when you’re signing in on a computer, it will be sent to the correct phone number rather than your old one. It also will help you restore your account if you ever get locked out.
Apple recommends adding more than one trusted phone number in case you lose access to your phone. [1] X Research source This could be a family member’s phone number or friend, or even a Google Voice phone number.
If the iMessage switch is off, tap it to turn it on.
If you don’t see your new phone number, return to the Settings menu and tap Phone. If your new phone number doesn’t appear next to “My Number,” tap this field to update the phone number now.
If your old phone number is still listed in either of these sections, tap it to remove it’s check mark.
Mac: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID> Overview (if you’re on High Sierra or earlier, click iCloud). [3] X Research source . Click the blue Sign Out button, check the boxes next to all data you want to remain on your Mac, select Keep a Copy, and then select Keep on This Mac. iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch: Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password, tap Turn Off, check the boxes to keep the data, tap Sign Out, and then again to confirm. iCloud for Windows: Open the iCloud for Windows app and click Sign Out.
If you moved to another country, you’ll have to change your iPhone’s region before you can add a mobile phone number for that country. To do this, open Settings, tap your name, and navigate to Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region > Change Country or Region. If you’re in mainland China or India, you cannot change your Apple ID’s phone number to a different region. In China, you can only update your Apple ID phone number with another number in the +86 country code. In India, the new number must also be in the +91 country code.
