Accounts · Action Guide

Protect a parent’s phone number from SIM-swap risk

10 minFree firstDo this with: Together

Short answer · G014

Start with the mobile-carrier account: use its available account PIN or password protections. For sensitive accounts, prefer stronger authentication than SMS when the provider supports it.

Do this now

Review the mobile-carrier account’s current security options and set an account PIN/password if available.

Make sure the carrier account recovery information is current.

For especially sensitive accounts, review whether an authenticator, passkey, or security key is supported instead of relying only on SMS.

Treat an unexplained sudden loss of cellular service as something worth checking with the carrier promptly.

Don’t do this

Do not give carrier-account PINs or verification codes to unexpected callers.
Do not assume SMS verification protects against a phone-number takeover.
Do not publish unnecessary personal details that could help someone impersonate the account holder.

Official sources

FTC — SIM Swap Scams ↗

FTC — Two-Factor Authentication ↗

Last reviewed: September 23, 2026

RELATED NEXT STEPS

Keep going only if it helps.

Help a Parent Stop Reusing PasswordsFix the most important reused passwords first; consider a password manager only if ongoing management is difficult.Set Up Google Account Recovery Before a Phone Is LostReview recovery methods before they are needed.Set Up an Apple Account Recovery ContactAdd a trusted recovery contact before account access becomes an emergency.

Finished this task?Mark it done on this device. You can undo it later.

Not sure what else Mom or Dad needs?

Build the full plan around their actual devices and setup. Free steps come first.

Build the full plan · about 3 minutes