Is It Time to Cancel Your Number Too?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 4:26 am
For decades, a phone number was the ultimate personal ID—your digital fingerprint. It was how people reached you, how businesses verified you, and how you stayed connected. But times have changed. More of us—especially Gen Z—are wondering if we really need a phone number at all. With Wi-Fi practically everywhere and most conversations happening over apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Discord, or Snapchat, that string of digits attached to a SIM card is starting to feel… optional. If you’ve already ditched cable, canceled subscriptions, and opted for minimalist tech, canceling your number might be the next logical step. The real question isn’t “can you survive without a phone number?”—it’s “why are you still paying for one?”
The truth is, most of our digital lives have moved beyond traditional calling and texting. Instagram DMs have replaced casual texting. WhatsApp voice notes and video calls are often clearer and more personal than standard phone calls. Even professional communication is shifting toward email, Slack, LinkedIn, and Zoom. And let’s be honest—how often special database do you pick up a call from a number you don’t recognize? Most of us screen those or ignore them entirely. Meanwhile, the cost of keeping a phone number—especially with data plans you rarely fully use—can add up fast. If you primarily use your phone on Wi-Fi at home, school, or work, it may be time to stop paying for something you’re barely using. Prepaid plans or app-based communication might serve you better for a fraction of the cost.
That said, going number-free isn't for everyone, and it takes a little prep. First, you’ll want to migrate all your accounts that use your phone number for login or 2FA (two-factor authentication). Shift those over to app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator or security keys. Next, make sure your contacts know where to reach you—whether it’s Instagram, Telegram, Signal, or Discord. You might even consider setting up a Google Voice number as a backup for those rare cases when a number is still required. But once you've made the shift, there's real freedom. No more spam calls. No monthly bills. And best of all, you're more in control of when and how you connect with people. So, is it time to cancel your number too? If your communication style is already app-first, the answer might be yes—and it could be the most empowering cancel button you’ve ever hit.
The truth is, most of our digital lives have moved beyond traditional calling and texting. Instagram DMs have replaced casual texting. WhatsApp voice notes and video calls are often clearer and more personal than standard phone calls. Even professional communication is shifting toward email, Slack, LinkedIn, and Zoom. And let’s be honest—how often special database do you pick up a call from a number you don’t recognize? Most of us screen those or ignore them entirely. Meanwhile, the cost of keeping a phone number—especially with data plans you rarely fully use—can add up fast. If you primarily use your phone on Wi-Fi at home, school, or work, it may be time to stop paying for something you’re barely using. Prepaid plans or app-based communication might serve you better for a fraction of the cost.
That said, going number-free isn't for everyone, and it takes a little prep. First, you’ll want to migrate all your accounts that use your phone number for login or 2FA (two-factor authentication). Shift those over to app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator or security keys. Next, make sure your contacts know where to reach you—whether it’s Instagram, Telegram, Signal, or Discord. You might even consider setting up a Google Voice number as a backup for those rare cases when a number is still required. But once you've made the shift, there's real freedom. No more spam calls. No monthly bills. And best of all, you're more in control of when and how you connect with people. So, is it time to cancel your number too? If your communication style is already app-first, the answer might be yes—and it could be the most empowering cancel button you’ve ever hit.