How to Enter or Update Your Phone Number in Android Settings

Android operating system allows you to easily add or update your phone number both under the settings or within the applications that require your number, such as messaging apps or other services. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

How to Enter or Update Your Phone Number in Android Settings

First, locate the Settings app on your Android device and tap to open it. This app is typically found in your app drawer or home screen. Once you find it, tap on it to enter the settings menu.

Scanning through the settings menu, you’ll find options that pertain to your account or user information. Depending on your device model, you might find options like 'Accounts,' 'Users and Accounts,' or 'Personal Information.'

Once you locate the 'Accounts' or 'Users and Accounts' option, tap on it to expand the list. Then, select the account associated with your phone number. This is usually your Google account or any other primary account you use on your Android device.

Navigate through the account options and look for an option labeled 'Account Info' or 'Profile.' Tap on it to open the profile edit screen.

If there's an option to add or edit your phone number, tap on it and enter your phone number. You can either add a new number or overwrite the existing one.

After entering or updating your phone number, make sure to save the changes. This step is crucial to ensure that your new phone number is saved and can be used in applications and services that require it.

It's important to note that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of your device and the version of the Android operating system you are using. Therefore, some steps might differ between different Android models and versions.

How the SIM Number Works and Its Significance

Every cell phone has a SIM or eSIM that identifies itself to the network it connects to. While the SIM does not define the phone number, it can download the number from the network. The SIM has a unique ID that helps the network identify it. This includes the identification of the home network, even when the phone is connected to a network in another part of the world. The SIM ID is shared with the home network, along with the current location, and the home network maps this to the phone number.

The network can also change the phone number associated with the SIM. For instance, if you buy a new phone and have your number ported to it, the new phone may temporarily have a different number that changes to your own number once the porting is complete. This change can be performed within seconds without the need for physical access to the phone or SIM.

Changing Your Phone Number in SIM Settings

While your actual phone number is determined by your network and cannot be changed at will, the information in the SIM card can be modified. This includes storing any number you want in the SIM settings, whether it's the correct one or a wrong number. However, this change does not affect your actual phone number. I have demonstrated this with a Huawei 3G dongle by using specific AT commands to modify the SIM settings.

For example, I can remove my SIM card from my Android phone, insert it into the Huawei dongle, connect the dongle to my computer via USB, and use terminal tools like Minicom (on Linux) or Hyperterminal (on Windows) to send AT commands. After inserting the SIM card back into my Android device, it will display the newly stored phone number.

Understanding how to manage this information can be useful for troubleshooting or personal preference, but remember that the actual carrier-provided phone number remains unchanged and is managed by your network provider.