Google Fi's 'Number Lock' feature announced

Imagine losing access to your phone number, personal data, and sensitive information due to a SIM-swapping scam. Well, this is happening in reality with many people. However, Google Fi, a telecommunication service, has introduced a feature to tackle this issue.

This innovative feature is known as 'Number Lock' feature, which is designed to prevent SIM swapping that is a common fraud where scammers trick your carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card. The feature locks your phone number to your existing SIM card.

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This means that even if a scammer tries to transfer your number to a new SIM card, the attempt will be denied if the Number Lock feature is active on device.

Enable Number Lock

You can follow the step-by-step guide given below to enable the Number Lock feature on your devices.

1. Open the Google Fi app on your phone or visit the Google Fi website.
2. Sign in to your Google Fi account using your email and password.
3. Tap on the "Account" tab.
4. Scroll down to the "Number Lock" section.
5. Toggle the switch to the right to enable Number Lock.
6. Confirm that you want to enable Number Lock by tapping "Yes" in the pop-up window.
7. You'll receive a confirmation notification that Number Lock is active.

How it Works

Once Number Lock is on, your phone number is locked to your existing SIM card. It will not be ported if someone attempts to transfer your number to a new SIM card. You can transfer your number to a new device or to another carrier, but you'll just need to turn off Number Lock first.