A phone number can be used by several Google features. Editing it in one place does not guarantee that it changes everywhere, so review both the account setting and the services that depend on it.
Update the account’s phone entry
- Open Google Account Personal info → Phone.
- Select the number you intend to change.
- Use the edit option to update it, or the removal option if removal is your goal.
- Complete the on-screen verification and check the saved number, including its country code.
Before removing an old number, make sure you have another working way to sign in and recover the account. Do not remove your only accessible verification method while experimenting.
Review recovery separately
Open Security & sign-in → Recovery phone and inspect the number there. Google recommends a mobile number that belongs to you, receives texts, and is regularly available to you.
A recovery-number change can take up to seven days to take effect. Google may also offer previous recovery information for seven days after changes. A new number appearing in the saved settings does not mean it is immediately trusted for every sensitive action.
Check each dependent service
The Phone page lists some uses, but Google warns that not every service appears there. Review 2-Step Verification and any services where you independently supplied the number, such as payment or business settings.
Deleting a recovery phone does not necessarily remove the number from other services. Similarly, changing the general phone entry does not establish that all product-specific numbers were changed. Keep a simple checklist of the features you actually use.
If you no longer control the old number
Use a currently available verification method or Google’s account-recovery process. Do not request a code from whoever now owns the number, and do not use a public SMS inbox. If a work or school account is managed, ask the administrator about the supported recovery path.
After the update, revisit the relevant settings and confirm the saved values. Keep recovery information current before your next device change so that losing one phone does not also remove every route back into the account.
Official references
Reviewed against Google’s official guidance on October 27, 2026. Available options and screen labels can vary by account, device, region, and organization policy.