Gave Up My Number, Gained Control

[mouakter13]

For a long time, my phone number felt like a necessary part of my identity—an easy way for people to reach me anytime, anywhere. But over time, it became less about connection and more about distraction. Calls, texts, and notifications were constant interruptions, pulling me away from what I wanted to focus on. That’s when I decided to give up my number entirely. What I gained in return was much more than I expected: control over my time, attention, and digital life.

Once I cancelled my phone number, I had to find new ways to stay connected, and that process gave me a surprising amount of empowerment. Instead of being constantly available for anyone with my special database number, I started using messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, which gave me more control over who could contact me and when. Email became my primary method for less urgent communication, and I scheduled calls when necessary rather than being interrupted randomly. This intentional approach to communication not only boosted my productivity but also improved my mental wellbeing by reducing stress and overwhelm.

Giving up my number also strengthened my digital security. I transitioned away from SMS-based two-factor authentication to authenticator apps and hardware keys, minimizing the risks of SIM swap attacks and number-based hacks. While the decision to cancel my number wasn’t easy at first, it turned out to be one of the best moves for regaining control over my digital and personal life. If you feel like your phone number controls you more than you control it, consider giving it up—you might be surprised at how much control you gain.