What Do I Do With My Phone Number While on a Mission?
A practical guide for missionaries and parents preparing for 18 to 24 months of service, so your number isn’t an afterthought.
If you’re preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you’re probably focused on mission papers, travel plans, clothing, finances, and a hundred other details.
One question many missionaries and parents don’t think about until the last minute is:
"What should I do with my phone number while I'm on a mission?"
Most missionaries will be away from home for 18 to 24 months. During that time, many cancel their cell phone service because they won’t be using their current phone plan.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that giving up a phone number can create problems when the missionary returns home.
This guide explains your options and helps you determine the best way to protect your number while you’re serving.
Why Your Phone Number Matters
Years ago, a phone number was simply a way for people to call you. Today, your number is the quiet thread connecting almost everything you use.For many missionaries, the same phone number has been used for years. When you return home, keeping that number can make life significantly easier.
Your Four Options
Before you leave, you'll generally choose between four paths for your phone number. Here's how each one plays out.
Continue Paying Your Current Carrier
The simplest solution is to keep your current cell phone plan active throughout your mission.
Keep your phone number
No transfers required
Everything remains connected
Paying for a service you aren't using
Can cost $1,000 – $2,000+ over a mission
For many families, this option is simply more expensive than necessary.
Suspend Your Service
Some carriers offer temporary suspension programs that reduce your cost while keeping the number on hold.
Lower monthly cost
May allow you to keep your number
Policies vary by carrier
Suspension periods may not cover a full mission
Some require periodic reactivation
Always verify your carrier's current policy before relying on this option.
Cancel Your Service
Many missionaries choose to simply cancel their service before entering the MTC.
No ongoing phone bill
Easy to do
You may lose your phone number
No guarantee you'll get it back
Number could be reassigned to someone else
This is the option that creates the most risk.
Preserve Your Number While You Serve
Many missionaries are now choosing to move their phone number to a number preservation service before leaving. Instead of maintaining a full cellular plan, the number is held safely until the missionary returns home.
This allows you to maintain ownership of the number without paying for a traditional phone plan.
What Happens When a Number Is Cancelled?
When cell phone service is disconnected, carriers may eventually return that number to their available inventory. If enough time passes, the number may be reassigned to another customer.
Once that happens, recovering the number can become difficult, or impossible.
Many families assume the number will simply be waiting when the missionary comes home. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Why More Families Are Choosing to Keep Their Number
Many parents don’t realize how many important accounts are tied to a phone number until they need access to one. Common examples include:
When a missionary returns home, having the same phone number often eliminates unnecessary complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my old phone number back after my mission?
Maybe. If your carrier still has the number available, you may be able to recover it. However, there is no guarantee if the number has already been reassigned.
Can my parents manage things while I'm serving?
Yes. Many families choose to have a parent oversee account-related matters while the missionary is away.
Is this only for missionaries?
No. While our service was designed specifically for missionaries, it can also help military members, students studying abroad, and anyone who will be away for an extended period of time.
Can parents handle the setup for the missionary?
Yes. In many cases, parents complete the setup process before the missionary leaves.