Request for Assistance Recovering Old Phone Number

Forum|Forum|8 months ago
December 30, 2025
2 replies
286 views

Hello,

I previously had a phone number with ID from around 2018 to 2021, if I remember correctly. I used this number to set up a Google account and enabled two-factor authentication (2FA). Later, I switched to a different phone number but forgot to update the number associated with the Google account.

Earlier this year, I remembered the account and attempted to access it, but I was prompted to enter a verification code that is sent to the old phone number. I wasn’t sure whether recovery would be possible, but I read that disconnected phone numbers are typically recycled and reassigned to new users.

I tried calling the number several times, but the calls were immediately cut off and did not ring, which suggests that the number may not have been reassigned yet. I also contacted live chat agents to ask whether I could reclaim the number, but they were unable to assist.

Is there any way for me to recover this phone number so that I can receive the verification code and regain access to my Google account?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

WelshPaul

Platinum  Contributor

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to recover the number. If you originally ported the number over from another network, it will have been returned to the originating network to be recycled.

I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

Lamiya C

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @WelshPaul

Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to recover your old number. Once a number has been disconnected and returned to the network, it is recycled and may be reassigned to a new customer.

If your old number was originally ported from another network, it would have been returned to the originating provider, so it is no longer available through iD Mobile.

For regaining access to your Google account, we recommend using Google’s account recovery options here: Google Account Recovery
. You can try alternative methods such as a backup email, security questions, or previously signed-in devices.

https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery

We’re sorry we can’t provide the number, but following Google’s recovery process is the best option.

Lamiya

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.