How to reclaim a number in Shopee?

Lost Your Number? How to Reclaim It (or Update It!) on Shopee

Losing access to your Shopee account due to a changed or forgotten phone number can be frustrating, but thankfully, Shopee offers a straightforward process to reclaim or update your number and regain control of your account. This guide will walk you through the steps to update your phone number on Shopee, ensuring you can receive important notifications, access promotions, and keep your account secure.

Understanding Why Phone Number Security Matters

Your phone number is a key component of your Shopee account security. It serves as:

• A verification method: For logins, password resets, and other security-sensitive actions.
• A channel for notifications: Receiving updates on orders, deliveries, promotions, and important account alerts.
• A tool for account recovery: In case you forget your password or encounter login issues.

Therefore, keeping your phone number updated is crucial for a seamless and secure Shopee experience.

Updating Your Phone Number on Shopee

If you still have access to your Shopee account and simply want to update your registered phone number, the process is relatively simple:

1. Navigate to Account Settings: Start by opening the Shopee app on your mobile device (or accessing Shopee through their website). Look for the “Me” tab, usually located at the bottom right corner of the screen. From there, find and select “Account Settings” or “Profile.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your device and Shopee app version.

2. Find the Phone Number Option: Within your Account Settings, you should find a section related to your phone number or contact information. Look for an option to “Change Phone Number,” “Update Phone Number,” or something similar.

3. Choose to Use a Different Number: Selecting this option will initiate the phone number update process. Shopee will likely present you with a warning about the importance of using a valid and accessible phone number.

4. Carefully Input Your New Contact Number: This is a critical step. Double-check the number you enter to ensure it’s accurate, including the correct country code. A typo here could lead to future account access issues.

5. Verification is Key: After entering your new number, Shopee will send a verification code (usually an SMS message) to that number. You’ll need to enter this code into the Shopee app or website to confirm that you own and have access to the new phone number. This prevents unauthorized number changes.

6. Finalize the Change: Once the verification code is successfully entered, you should receive confirmation that your phone number has been updated.

What if You Can’t Access Your Shopee Account?

If you’ve completely lost access to your Shopee account because you no longer have the old phone number or email address, you’ll need to contact Shopee Customer Service directly. Here’s what you can do:

• Use the Shopee Help Center: Look for the “Help” or “Customer Service” section in the app or on the Shopee website. Explore the articles and FAQs to see if there are instructions for account recovery without access to the registered phone number.

• Contact Shopee Support: If the Help Center doesn’t provide a solution, look for a way to contact Shopee Support directly. This may involve submitting a ticket, using a chat function, or calling their customer service hotline (if available in your region).

• Prepare Supporting Information: When contacting support, be ready to provide as much information as possible to verify your identity and ownership of the account. This could include:

  • Your Shopee username
  • Previous order details (product names, dates of purchase, amounts paid)
  • Shipping addresses used on the account
  • Any payment methods linked to the account (last four digits of credit cards, etc.)
  • A copy of your government-issued ID

• Be Patient: Account recovery processes can take time, as Shopee needs to ensure they are giving access back to the rightful owner. Be patient and cooperative with the Shopee Support team, and provide them with all the information they request.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

To avoid the hassle of reclaiming a number you can’t access, take these preventative measures:

• Always Use an Active and Accessible Phone Number: Make sure the number you register on Shopee is one you use regularly and can access easily.
• Update Your Number Promptly When It Changes: Don’t wait until you need it to update your phone number. As soon as your phone number changes, update it on Shopee.
• Link Your Email Address: Linking your email address to your Shopee account provides an alternative recovery method.
• Consider Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If available, enable 2FA for an extra layer of security.

Keeping your Shopee account’s phone number up-to-date is essential for security and convenience. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free Shopee experience. If you run into any difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact Shopee Support for assistance.