Manually Updating the Telephone Number on an Apple iPhone

This article explains how to manually update the telephone number shown on an Apple iPhone after a number change, SIM swap, eSIM activation, or number port. It is intended for users who can make and receive calls or texts on the new number but still see the old or temporary number in iPhone settings, iMessage, FaceTime, or Apple Account settings.

When do I need to manually update my iPhone telephone number?

You may need to update the number manually if you have recently signed up to Community Fibre Unlimited eSIM, completed a number port, activated a new SIM or eSIM, or see a temporary number under Settings > Mobile Service > My Number.

What should I check before changing the number?

  • Confirm the new number works by making a call and sending an SMS
  • Check the number appears correctly in your mobile provider or eSIM app
  • Keep access to the old number during the transition (if possible)

How do I manually update my number on an iPhone?

  1. Open Settings on the iPhone.
  2. Tap Mobile Service or Mobile Service and scroll down to SIMs section and select the SIM where you have multiple SIMs set up.
  3. Tap My Number.
  4. Enter the correct telephone number in the required format, including the country code where appropriate.
  5. Tap Save if it appears; otherwise, go back to the previous screen to keep the change.
  6. Restart the iPhone and check that Settings > Mobile Service > My Number still shows the correct number.

Note: “My Number” is a device-level setting and may not always reflect the number assigned by your mobile provider.

How do I update iMessage and FaceTime after changing the number?

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Messages, then Send & Receive.
  3. Check that the correct number is selected for sending and receiving iMessages.
  4. Return to Settings, tap FaceTime, and check that the correct number is selected there too.
  5. If the old number is still selected, turn iMessage and FaceTime off, wait a few minutes, restart the iPhone, then turn them back on.

How do I update the number on my Apple Account?

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap Sign-In & Security.
  4. Review the phone numbers listed under email and phone number settings.
  5. Add the new number if it is not already listed and complete the verification step by SMS or phone call.
  6. Remove the old number only after confirming the new number is verified and available for account recovery or two-factor authentication.

What if the iPhone keeps reverting to the old or temporary number?

  • Confirm the number port or eSIM activation has fully completed with the mobile provider.
  • Restart the iPhone and check again.
  • Turn iMessage and FaceTime off, wait a few minutes, then turn them back on.
  • Check that the new number is added and verified under Apple Account sign-in and security settings.
  • If the issue continues, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This can clear mobile network settings, but it may also remove saved Wi-Fi networks and related network preferences.

Will resetting network settings delete my data?

Resetting network settings should not delete photos, apps, messages, or personal files. However, it can remove saved Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and mobile network preferences. Use this step only after simpler checks have failed.

Do I need to update apps after changing my number?

Yes. Any app or service that uses the telephone number for sign-in, security checks, or notifications may need to be updated. This can include banking apps, messaging apps, password recovery settings, multi-factor authentication methods, and workplace systems.

When should I contact support?

Contact Community Fibre using the eSIM app if the new number cannot make or receive calls or SMS messages, the number port has not completed, or the wrong number is still assigned to the SIM or eSIM. Contact Apple Support if the number is correct with the provider but iMessage, FaceTime, or Apple Account verification still will not activate after the troubleshooting steps above.

Quick checklist

  • New SIM or eSIM is active.
  • Settings > Phone > My Number shows the correct telephone number.
  • iMessage and FaceTime are using the correct number.
  • Apple Account trusted or contact number is updated and verified.
  • Important apps and security settings have been updated.
  • Contacts and relevant services have been informed of the new number where needed.