A second number quietly becomes the key to a lot of accounts: messaging apps, shopping, marketplaces, sometimes a bank. If you stop paying and the number is later given to someone else, that person can receive your login codes. It happens. Here is how to make sure it does not happen to you.
How long is a number kept after you stop paying?
For the TripoSIM US Virtual Number, it depends on the plan:
| Plan | Number kept after the plan ends | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 90 days | Released, cannot be recovered |
| Yearly | 30 days | Released, cannot be recovered |
During the hold the number is paused, so do not count on it to receive one last code. If you want the number back, renew before the hold ends. Compare both plans on the plans page.
Other providers have their own rules. Free apps often reclaim numbers after a short period of inactivity. Our guide to free and temporary US numbers vs paid covers how that works.
Which accounts use the number?
Find them all before you cancel. Look in:
- your password manager (search for the number)
- messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal
- email accounts, as a recovery phone
- banking, payment and marketplace apps
- two-step verification settings in each account
- public places: your website, email signature, business cards and online profiles
Clients may keep calling a number for years after you stop using it. Old business cards and listings do not update themselves.
How do you move recovery methods safely?
Do it while the old number still works. Most accounts ask for a code on the old number before they let you change it.
- Add an authenticator app or a passkey wherever the account offers one.
- Check your recovery email is current.
- Change the phone number in the account’s security settings.
- For important accounts, sign out and test recovery with the new details.
- Tell your contacts and clients the new number.
Do not leave this to the last day. Some services add a waiting period after you change security details, or limit how many codes they send.
If you are moving abroad and wondering whether to keep a US number at all, read keeping your old US number or getting a new one.
Why are public SMS websites risky?
A public “receive SMS online” page shows every text to anyone who opens it. That includes one-time codes. Someone else can use your code to get into the account you just set up.
A private number is safer. It still needs a strong password, a secure phone and an active plan. And never share a code with anyone who calls or messages claiming to “check your number”. No real support team needs it.
For the apps TripoSIM tested and how to set them up, see using a US number for verification codes.
What should you do before you cancel?
- Check that your important accounts no longer list the old number.
- Remove the number from public profiles and your website.
- Tell the people who call you most.
- Save any voicemails you need. On the TripoSIM number, voicemail is kept 30 days.
- Cancel, then confirm the renewal is off.
If you plan to move to another provider, ask both sides about transferring the number before you announce a switch date. Moving the TripoSIM number to another provider is not something the plan promises.