Changing a phone number is a very common occurrence in daily life, but if your Binance account is bound to your old phone number, you need to update the binding information promptly. Otherwise, the next time phone verification is required, you won't be able to operate normally. Many users only remember that their Binance account is still bound to the old number after they've already changed phones, and discovering the issue only when verification is needed makes it much more troublesome to handle. The best practice is to complete the rebinding process while the old number is still accessible. This makes the process simple and avoids the need for manual review. If the old number has already been canceled, don't worry too much; you can still change it through identity verification, although it will require extra review time. We recommend you log in to the Binance official website now to check if the bound phone number is still in use. You can also quickly view and modify your security settings via the Binance official APP. Apple users who need to install the client first can refer to the iOS installation guide. This article will comprehensively introduce the various situations and operating methods for changing your phone number.
Preparation Before Changing the Phone Number
Before starting the operation, make the following preparations.
Confirm the Status of the New Phone Number
Ensure that the new phone number is a valid number owned by you and can receive text messages normally. The new number cannot already be bound to another Binance account.
Confirm the Account's Security Verification Methods
Check what security verifications are currently enabled on your Binance account:
- Is Google Authenticator bound?
- Is an email address bound?
- What is the currently bound phone number?
If you only have phone number verification enabled without other verification methods, dealing with it after the old number becomes invalid will be much more difficult. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to bind Google Authenticator and an email address as backup verification methods before changing your number.
Status of the Old Number
Confirm the current status of the old phone number:
- Still in normal use: This is the best scenario; you can directly rebind it online via self-service.
- Transferred to someone else but not canceled: Act quickly, or contact the new number holder to cooperate.
- Already canceled: You need to go through the manual customer service process.
Rebinding Steps When the Old Number is Still Usable
This is the simplest situation, and the entire process can be completed in a few minutes.
Operations on the Web
Step 1, log in to the Binance official website and enter the security settings page.
Step 2, find the "Phone Number Verification" option and click "Change".
Step 3, the system will first require identity verification. You need to enter the SMS verification code received on your old phone number.
Step 4, if Google Authenticator is enabled, you also need to enter the dynamic verification code.
Step 5, if an email is bound, you might also need to enter the email verification code.
Step 6, after passing all verifications, enter the new phone number. Be sure to select the correct country code.
Step 7, the system will send a verification code to the new phone number; enter the received code.
Step 8, confirm and submit to complete the rebinding.
Operations on the APP
Step 1, open the Binance APP and go to the security settings in the personal center.
Step 2, find the phone number verification option and click to change it.
Step 3, complete the old number verification, Google Authenticator verification (if any), and email verification (if any) sequentially.
Step 4, enter the new phone number and verify it.
Step 5, confirm to complete the rebinding.
What to Do If You Can't Receive Verification Codes
During the rebinding process, if you cannot receive the verification code at any step:
- Old number not receiving SMS: Check if the signal is normal, if SMS blocking is enabled, and try resending.
- New number not receiving SMS: Confirm the number and area code are correct, check for SMS blocking, and wait a few minutes before trying again.
- Email not receiving code: Check the spam/junk mail folder.
How to Rebind When the Old Number is Canceled
If the old phone number is no longer usable, you must complete the rebinding through manual customer service.
Apply via Online Customer Service
Step 1, log in to your Binance account.
Step 2, enter the Help Center and contact online customer service.
Step 3, select issues related to "Account Security" and state that you need to change your phone number.
Step 4, provide identity verification materials as requested by the customer service representative:
- High-definition photos of the front and back of a valid ID document.
- A selfie holding the ID and a handwritten note with the current date.
- Your Account UID.
- The old phone number.
- The new phone number.
- Recent trading history or other information proving account ownership.
Step 5, submit the materials and wait for review.
Apply by Submitting a Ticket
Submit a security-related ticket in the Help Center, detail the situation, and attach all supporting materials. The ticket processing time is typically 1 to 5 working days.
Important Notes for Review
- Submitted photos must be clear, and the information on the ID must be legible.
- The selfie holding the ID must clearly show both your face and the ID information simultaneously.
- Information provided must match what was submitted during KYC verification.
- Do not share your ticket number or identity information on public channels.
Special Issues with Domestic (Mainland China) Phone Numbers
There are some special circumstances to note when binding a Binance account with a Mainland China phone number.
Can +86 Numbers be Bound Normally?
Currently, +86 phone numbers from Mainland China can be used normally for Binance account binding and SMS verification. However, be aware that SMS delivery rates may vary across different carriers.
Carrier Number Block Changes
If you ported your number to a different network (switched from one carrier to another) without changing the number itself, you do not need to make any changes on Binance.
Changing from an Overseas Number to a Domestic Number
If you previously used an overseas number and want to change to a domestic one, the operating process is the same as standard rebinding. Just ensure you select the correct country code (+86) when entering the new number.
Changing from a Domestic Number to an Overseas Number
This can also be done; just select the corresponding country code.
Security Measures After Rebinding
After the phone number has been changed, several security checks and settings are required.
Confirm the New Number Can Receive Codes Normally
After rebinding, try triggering an SMS verification to confirm the new number is working properly. For example, test the SMS verification function within the security settings.
Update Other Security Settings
After rebinding your phone number, it's recommended to check and update other security settings at the same time:
- Confirm email binding is normal.
- Confirm Google Authenticator is working normally.
- Check the list of logged-in devices.
- Update the Anti-Phishing Code.
Change Login Password
It is advisable to change your password once after changing your phone number, utilizing a completely new strong password.
Check API Keys
If you have created API keys, check for any abnormal API activity.
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication
This experience of rebinding your phone number should make you realize the importance of multi-factor authentication.
Don't Rely Solely on One Verification Method
If your account is only bound to a phone number without any other verification method, if something goes wrong with the phone number, the account becomes very difficult to manage. It's recommended to enable the following verification methods simultaneously:
- Google Authenticator (Highly Recommended)
- Email Verification
- Phone Number Verification
Advantages of Triple Verification
The benefits of having all three verification methods enabled simultaneously:
- If any one verification method fails, the other two can serve as backups.
- It increases the difficulty for attackers to crack the account.
- When rebinding any single verification method, other methods are available to confirm your identity.
Backup Verification Information
- Securely back up the Google Authenticator key.
- Remember your email password and recovery information well.
- Always complete the rebinding process before changing your phone number.
Preventing Phone Number Hijacking
The security of your phone number directly impacts the security of your Binance account.
SIM Swap Attacks
A SIM swap attack occurs when an attacker uses social engineering to convince a carrier to transfer your phone number to their SIM card. Once successful, the attacker can receive your SMS verification codes. Prevention methods:
- Contact your carrier to set up a SIM card lock (PIN/Password).
- Do not expose your phone number publicly.
- Do not rely solely on SMS verification; ensure Google Authenticator is enabled.
Emergency Handling if Phone is Lost
If your phone is lost:
- Immediately contact your carrier to report the loss and block the SIM card.
- Log in to Binance on another device to check account security.
- Change your password.
- Check for any abnormal operations.
- If unable to log in, contact Binance customer service to freeze the account.
Risks of Number Recycling
Carriers will reassign a canceled number to a new user after a certain period. If you canceled your phone number but did not unbind it from Binance, the new owner of the number could theoretically use it to receive your SMS verification codes. Therefore, absolutely complete rebinding operations on all platforms before canceling a number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Rebind a Phone Number?
If the old number is still usable, self-service rebinding only takes a few minutes. If a manual review process is required, it generally takes 1 to 7 working days.
Can I Trade Normally During Rebinding?
Self-service rebinding is completed instantly and does not affect trading. During manual review, basic account functions are usually unaffected, but there might be temporary security restrictions.
What if the New Number is Already Bound to Another Binance Account?
One phone number can only be bound to one Binance account. If the new number is already bound to another account, you must first unbind it from that account, or use a different number.
Can I Choose Not to Bind a Phone Number?
You can operate without relying on a phone number to a certain extent, but you must at least retain an email and Google Authenticator as security verification methods. Although phone number verification is not strictly mandatory, it is still recommended as an additional security layer.
Will Rebinding Trigger a Security Cooling-Off Period?
Yes, after changing a bound phone number, there may be a 24 to 48-hour withdrawal restriction protection period. Please refer to system prompts for exact details.
Conclusion
Changing a bound Binance phone number is an important operation that needs timely handling. The best approach is to complete the rebinding while the old number is still accessible, making the process simple and fast. If the old number is already unusable, there is no need to worry; you can complete the rebinding through customer service after verifying your identity. In any case, be sure to perform a comprehensive security check after the rebinding is completed. Most importantly, do not rely on just the phone number as your only verification method. Enabling both Google Authenticator and email verification will ensure you have backup options if any single method encounters an issue.