How To Remove a Phone Number From Your YouTube Channel

Introduction.

If you’re looking to remove a phone number from your YouTube channel, you’re in the right place. Many of us add our numbers to YouTube for account verification or recovery, but there are times when we might want to remove that information.

Maybe you’re switching to a new number, prioritizing privacy, or just want to keep your data to a minimum—whatever the reason, taking a number off your account is straightforward once you know where to look.

This guide will walk you through all the steps to remove a phone number from your YouTube channel.

I’ll break it down in simple terms, explaining everything you need to know, from why YouTube asks for your number in the first place to how you can manage your privacy settings with ease.

Why Does YouTube Ask for Your Phone Number?

YouTube (owned by Google) often asks for phone numbers to help keep your account secure and make sure it’s easy to recover if you get locked out.

It’s also a step in verifying that each account is unique, which helps reduce spam and bots on the platform. Here are the main reasons they may request your number:

1. Account Recovery: If you forget your password, lose access to your email, or if there’s a suspicious sign-in on your account, having a phone number linked allows you to get back in.
2. Verification: Sometimes, YouTube requires a phone number to verify certain actions, like enabling monetization or uploading longer videos.
3. Security Alerts: YouTube (via Google) sends alerts if it notices suspicious activity on your account, and linking a phone number makes it easier to confirm your identity.

Even though these security features are handy, you might still want to remove your phone number to keep your account separate from personal details.

How Do I Remove My Phone Number from YouTube?

Now, let’s walk through the steps to remove your phone number from your YouTube account.

1. Log into Your Google Account: YouTube is part of Google, so removing your phone number means accessing your Google account settings.
2. Go to Your Google Account Settings: On the YouTube homepage, click on your profile picture in the top right corner. From the dropdown, select “Manage your Google Account.”
3. Navigate to “Personal Info”: Once you’re in your Google Account settings, look for the “Personal info” tab, usually found on the left side of the screen.
4. Find Your Phone Number: Scroll down to the “Contact info” section, where you’ll see the phone number associated with your account.
5. Remove the Phone Number: Click on your phone number, then select “Remove number.” Google may ask you to confirm this decision, so just follow any prompts until the number is successfully removed.
6. Verify the Change: After removing the phone number, it’s a good idea to go back and check that it’s been taken off your account. You can do this by refreshing the page or logging out and back in.

Alternative Ways to Secure Your Account Without a Phone Number

Removing your phone number can impact certain security features, so here are a few other options to help keep your account safe:

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): With 2FA, you add an extra layer of security. Instead of using a phone number, you can enable Google Authenticator or other apps to receive security codes.
2. Recovery Email: Make sure you have a secondary email set up for recovery. This way, you’ll still have a backup way to regain access to your account if needed.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A strong password is one of the best ways to secure your account. Consider using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, or even a password manager.

FAQs

1. Will removing my phone number affect my YouTube channel in any way?

No, removing your phone number won’t limit your ability to use YouTube. However, if you use phone verification for actions like uploading longer videos or livestreaming, you may be asked to verify again via email or other methods.

2. Can I re-add my phone number later?

Absolutely. You can add a phone number to your account whenever you want by following similar steps and entering a new number.

3. What if I can’t remove my phone number from my Google account?

If you’re having trouble, check if you’re part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), which may have specific admin controls on linked phone numbers. In that case, contact your Workspace administrator.

4. Does removing my phone number make my account less secure?

It depends. Removing a phone number might make it harder for you to recover your account in some cases, but adding alternative security features (like 2FA and a recovery email) can help maintain a high level of security without needing a phone number.

Conclusion

Removing your phone number from YouTube can be a quick step toward more privacy and control over your information.

While Google values this information for security, it’s completely okay to choose the level of privacy you’re comfortable with.

So, now that you know how to remove your phone number from YouTube, are you considering making any other changes to your account settings for more privacy?