So you need to update your digits on Amazon? Maybe you got a new number, lost access to your old one, or just realized that ancient flip phone number from 2009 is still haunting your account. Changing your phone number on Amazon shouldn't be complicated – but let's be real, sometimes it feels like navigating a maze. I've been there myself when I switched carriers last year and completely forgot about my Amazon account until I couldn't verify an order.
Whether you're using the website or the app, I'll break this down step-by-step without the tech jargon. We'll also tackle those annoying "why won't this work?!" moments because Amazon's system can be stubborn sometimes. Oh, and if you're worried about two-factor authentication locking you out, we've got solutions for that too.
Why Bother Updating Your Amazon Phone Number?
Look, I get it – updating contact info feels like admin hell. But skipping this can cause real headaches:
That time my old number was still attached to Amazon? I missed delivery updates for three packages. The driver left perishable groceries at my door in July heat while I was blissfully unaware inside. Wasted $40 worth of organic chicken. Don't be me.
Practically speaking, your phone number is crucial for:
- Login security - Especially if you have two-step verification enabled
- Delivery alerts - Real-time updates about your packages
- Account recovery - When you inevitably forget your password
- Customer service - Faster verification when calling support
Step-by-Step: Changing Phone Number on Amazon Website
Here's the desktop method – takes about 2 minutes if you don't hit snags:
Step 1: Log into Your Account
Go to amazon.com and click "Account & Lists" in the top right corner. Sign in if prompted. Simple enough, right? But here's where people mess up – make sure you're logging into the country-specific site where your account lives. Your US login won't work on amazon.co.uk.
Step 2: Navigate to Login & Security
Once in your account dashboard, find the "Login & security" section. Click "Edit" next to the Login & security header.
Step 3: Locate Your Phone Number
Scroll down to the "Primary phone number" section. See that? Click the "Edit" button on the right side.
Step 4: Enter Your New Number
Type your new number carefully. Triple-check the area code! Amazon will immediately send a verification code to this new number.
Step 5: Verify With Code
Check your phone for a 6-digit SMS code from Amazon. Enter it in the verification field. If you don't get it within 2 minutes, hit "Resend code."
Personal rant: Last time I did this, I must've hit "resend" five times before realizing my phone's spam filter caught Amazon's texts. Always check your junk folder!
When Things Go Wrong During Verification
If verification fails repeatedly:
- Switch between cellular data and Wi-Fi
- Restart your phone (seriously, it works)
- Try voice verification instead of SMS
- Clear browser cache or try another browser
Mobile App Method for Changing Amazon Phone Number
Changing your phone number on the Amazon app feels slightly different:
| Action | iOS Steps | Android Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Start Point | Tap profile icon > Your Account | Tap hamburger menu > Your Account |
| Navigation | Login & Security > Login with Amazon | Login & Security > Login with Amazon |
| Editing Number | Tap phone number > Edit | Tap phone number > Edit |
| Verification | Code sent via SMS/voice call | Code sent via SMS/voice call |
| Common Issue | App freezing after verification | Keyboard covering input field |
The app sometimes glitches during this process. If it hangs after verification, force quit and reopen. Still not working? Uninstall and reinstall the app – drastic but effective.
What If You Can't Access Your Old Number?
This is where panic sets in. No access to old number = no verification code. But don't cancel that Prime membership yet.
Warning: Amazon might lock your account temporarily during this process. Make sure you don't have pending orders before starting!
Here's how to recover access:
- Attempt to change number normally
- When verification fails, select "I don't have access to this number"
- Verify identity via:
- Account email confirmation
- Payment method verification (last 4 digits of card)
- Security questions (if you set them)
- Amazon will email you a security link
- Follow instructions to add new number without old verification
Total time: 15-45 minutes depending on how cooperative Amazon's system feels. I once spent 35 minutes on this because they didn't like my VPN connection.
Two-Step Verification Nightmares
If you have two-step authentication enabled (and you should), changing your number gets trickier. Your phone number is literally your key to the kingdom.
How to Update 2FA Phone Number
- Go to Login & Security > Edit Two-Step Verification Settings
- Choose "Edit" under your current verification method
- Select "Change" next to your phone number
- Add new number and verify via SMS
- Confirm with backup method (if set up)
Confession: I ignored the backup method setup for years. Then during a number change, my SMS failed and I got locked out for 3 days. Set up that authenticator app backup!
When you absolutely can't access 2FA methods:
- Use backup codes (you saved them, right?)
- Contact Amazon support with government-issued ID
- Prepare to answer detailed account questions:
- Recent orders
- Payment methods on file
- Account creation date
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Invalid number" error | Amazon doesn't recognize VOIP numbers | Use a carrier-based mobile number |
| No verification code | Carrier filtering issues | Request voice call instead of SMS |
| Change not saving | Browser cookies conflicting | Clear cache or try incognito mode |
| Two-step verification loop | Session conflicts | Log out completely and restart process |
| International number issues | Formatting errors | Enter with country code (e.g., +44) |
Amazon Phone Number FAQs
Can I use a landline for Amazon verification?Sometimes, but not recommended. Landlines can receive voice verification codes but won't work for two-step verification. Amazon explicitly requires mobile numbers for 2FA.
Immediately after verification. But full propagation across Amazon's systems takes 4-6 hours. During this window, some services might still reference your old number.
Technically yes, but really shouldn't. Go to Login & Security > Edit phone number > Delete. But your account will become vulnerable and certain features (like Amazon Pay) may stop working.
Security measures against account takeovers. Annoying? Absolutely. But given how many Amazon accounts get hacked annually, it's somewhat justified. Just last month, my cousin had fraudulent orders placed because her number wasn't updated.
Yes! Under Login & Security, you can add backup numbers. Highly recommended – saves you when your primary number fails. Just remember to verify each one.
Pro Tips from Someone Who's Messed This Up
After changing numbers multiple times (and dealing with the fallout), here's my hard-won advice:
- Update during business hours - Support is more responsive if something breaks
- Disable two-step verification temporarily - Makes the process smoother, then re-enable after
- Check all account areas - Your marketplace seller account (if applicable) has separate contact info
- Update payment methods - Cards with old numbers might trigger security holds
- Inform Household members - If you share Prime benefits, their verification might break
Changing your phone number on Amazon feels like it should be simple. Sometimes it is. But when it's not, it becomes a multi-hour frustration fest. Remember that Amazon's security systems sometimes overreact – if something seems broken, wait 30 minutes and try again before panicking.
Final thought? After you successfully change your number, immediately set up backup methods. Add a secondary email and enable authenticator app verification. Trust me, future you will be grateful during your next phone upgrade disaster.
Leave A Comment