How can you change your number or device without losing your LGBTQ+ support network or exposing contacts?

Start with a map, not the new phone

A number may unlock email, social media, messaging, banking, work and support groups. List accounts that use SMS, apps tied to the old device and people who can reach you only through that channel.

Trans, travesti, non-binary, femboy, gay, lesbian and bi experiences are different, not synonyms. Respect different names, contexts and disclosure levels; a trusted group contact must not automatically become visible to family, work or other circles.

Create continuity before removing the old route

Choose at least one route that does not depend on the changing number: a protected email, stable username or agreed backup contact. Confirm it directly with essential people without publishing a list of the network.

When possible, keep the old device and number active for a short overlap. Move at a calm time with power, reliable connectivity and time to test. Do not broadcast the new number before reviewing who should receive it.

Move recovery and authentication in the right order

Begin with root accounts: primary email, password manager, device account and carrier. Confirm recovery email, create backup codes and transfer authenticator apps through official steps. Test the new device before removing the old method.

Recovery-phone changes may take days to become valid for sensitive actions. Prefer an authenticator, passkey or security key over SMS alone when offered. Never send codes, setup QR images or recovery keys to a helper.

Transfer contacts without turning the address book into exposure

An address book may reveal legal and chosen names, relationships, health services, groups and people who do not know one another. Use an official transfer or protected backup, inspect what will sync and avoid giving the full list to apps that do not need it.

Organise essential contacts by private function—emergency, housing, health or emotional support—without labels that could out someone on a lock screen or shared account. Verify critical details one-to-one and delete temporary export files.

Share the new number with minimum, verifiable reach

Send it individually or in small trusted groups. A sufficient note says the channel changed, asks people to replace the old one and gives a way to confirm authorship. It need not explain transition, relationships, location or why the number changed.

Disable automatic group addition where available and review profile photo, bio, location and discovery by phone number. If stalking or doxing is a concern, share a username or intermediary channel first and restrict unsolicited searches and invitations.

Test the network before erasing or selling the old device

Run a real test: sign in to essential accounts, receive a code, open the password manager, find emergency contacts and send a message through each important channel. Confirm only the conversation backups you chose to keep; some apps require their own transfer steps.

Then remove accounts, payment cards, SIMs and connected devices. Use the official factory-reset process and remove the old device from trusted lists. If it is lost or stolen, use remote lock and contact the carrier promptly.

Close the move without an invisible dependency

Review open sessions, forwarding, old numbers and permissions for contacts, location, photos and microphone. Ask essential contacts to delete the old number when that reduces risk. Store backup codes separately and retest recovery after any stated waiting period.

A helper may track a checklist and read instructions, but should not retain your address book, passwords, codes or a full device copy. A finished move leaves more than one safe route to support and fewer scattered details.

• Map accounts, authentication and essential contacts.
• Create a backup channel independent of the old number.
• Move email, passwords and second factors first.
• Test the new device before removing old methods.
• Share the new contact only where needed.
• Avoid labels and exports that expose the network.
• Revoke sessions and delete temporary copies.
• Reset the old device only after final verification.