Switching phone numbers can lead to a frustrating tech nightmare, as one user discovered while trying to regain access to their accounts

Philadelphia: A couple of years back, I switched to a new phone number, thinking it would be a simple change. Little did I know, it turned into a tech nightmare. Suddenly, I felt like I lost my digital identity. It took me ages to sort everything out.
So there I was, sitting at my desk with my new smartphone, trying to prove to Instagram that I was really me. I had to record a video of my face, which felt super awkward. I mean, who wants to stare at their own face on a screen? But I had to do it to get back into my account.
After sending my video, I got an email saying they couldn’t confirm my identity. Seriously? It was just my face! I thought this would be a quick fix, but it turned into a part-time job trying to regain access to my accounts.
From Lyft to Cash App, every platform had its own way of verifying me. I didn’t expect it to be this complicated. I figured a new number would cause some hiccups, but this was next level. I felt like I was jumping through hoops just to prove I was me.
Two-factor authentication has been around for a while, but it really took off with smartphones. It’s supposed to make things safer, but it can also be a hassle. I mean, who hasn’t forgotten their password and then had to deal with a text code sent to an old number?
Text-based verification is super common, but it’s also pretty insecure. Hackers can easily intercept those codes. It’s wild how much we rely on our phone numbers for everything, yet they can change so easily.
When I tried to access my unemployment benefits, I hit another wall. The state’s system was tied to my old number, and I had no way to get in. I had to jump through so many hoops just to prove who I was. It felt like a never-ending cycle of frustration.
After weeks of back and forth, I finally got access, but it was a long, tedious process. I had to send sensitive documents over email, which made me nervous. It’s crazy how technology that’s supposed to make life easier can end up complicating things.
In the end, I learned the hard way that changing your phone number can lead to a tech nightmare. If you’re thinking about it, just know it might not be as easy as it seems. And hey, if you’re Keith, the guy who had my number before me, I’m still getting your verification texts!