A Simple Detail That Can Save Major Headaches Later
A guide for parents preparing to send a missionary into the field, so their phone number doesn’t get lost in the checklist.
Preparing to send a missionary into the field comes with a long checklist.
Mission papers. Medical appointments. Travel arrangements. Mission clothing. Finances. Banking. College deferments. Farewell events.
In the middle of all of that, there is one detail many families overlook:
"What happens to your missionary's phone number while they are serving?"
Most missionaries leave for 18 to 24 months. During that time, many families cancel the missionary’s cell phone service because they won’t be using their current plan.
Unfortunately, many parents don’t realize that giving up a phone number can create complications when their missionary returns home.
This guide explains why keeping a missionary’s phone number matters and what options are available.
Why Parents Should Care About a Phone Number
Years ago, a phone number was simply a way to contact someone. Today, it is often tied to nearly every aspect of a person’s digital life. A phone number may be connected to:
For many missionaries, the same number has been used for years. Losing that number can create unnecessary complications after they return home.
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
A growing number of families choose to preserve the number during the mission. Instead of paying for a full cellular plan, the number is transferred and held until the missionary returns.
This allows families to maintain control of the number while avoiding the expense of 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.
Common Situations Parents Face During a Mission
Even though the missionary is serving, life continues at home. Parents often find themselves handling:
Having a plan for the missionary’s number helps avoid surprises when these situations arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my missionary already left?
In some cases, options may still be available depending on the status of the number and carrier account.
Can I manage the number for my missionary?
Yes. Many families coordinate the process on behalf of their missionary before departure.
Is keeping the number really worth it?
Every family is different. However, many returned missionaries appreciate coming home to the same phone number they left with.
What if we don't keep the number?
The missionary will simply obtain a new number when they return, though that often requires updating many personal and professional accounts.