Retrieving an old mobile number, how to go about it?

[markc89]

Hello to all,

I'm looking for a little help, or should I say information on retrieving an old mobile number that I once had with Vodafone. However, I had this number in questions most probably touching just over 10 years ago!

I do remember the number very well and after a search to find out who the owner/carrier is, it does indeed come back as Vodafone. I've even tried calling the number and it's currently not in use.

Initial thoughts and comments I'm sure will be that there's no chance, and indeed it may have even been used by somebody else after me. However, surely there must be some way to retrieve an old number, not in use. I used to work for a telecommunications company and providing that the number was not use and was not in a quarantine pool, we could reassign all numbers that originated within our company. In fact, some time ago you could even buy the number and we could hold it.

I know every company is different but I have a feel it's more of a case of we can't really be bothered, or don't bother us with stupid requests, just take a god damn new number and let me get back to chomping on my pen.

Having spoken with customer services PayAsYouGo, I found them very unhelpful, as expected in all honesty. They simply searched the number and said I can't find it. Now, however, I'm looking for a serious answer with some possible positive outcome.

How can I retrieve this number? even if it means paying to Vodafone for it? I don't even mind being on the Vodafone network in order just to have it. And more so, who in Vodafone will be most likely to help and point me in the right direction.

Thank you to all in advance.

Mark

[Eric123]

Massively helpful, BofB. Thanks so much, I'll do that now! best wishes, Eric

[BandOfBrothers]

You're very welcome @Eric123 

[linedar11]

If you don't sync number to Cloud sever or SIM card before, maybe you can try a Android recovery tool to scan your phone directly, maybe it can get number back.

[mullinsm1962]

Hi,

I'm another one! I had a Vodaphone personal number which I lost years ago and would like to get it back to use in my retirement as I don't want to keep my business number for obvious reasons and, at my age, I don't want to try and remember a new one!!

Can someone contact me and let me know how to go about retrieving it? It isn't in use and is an old 07979 number.

Thanks in advance.

[MarkD]

Hi @mullinsm1962, our Social Media Team will love to see if we can retrieve your old number. If you send us a message on Twitter or Facebook with your full name, the number you're wanting and your Community username, our team will be happy to help. You can find the contact details here. 

[Nathen15]

I come across this post and have a similar issue. Did you manage to find your old number and retrieve it? 

Thanks, any advice would be appreciated.

Nathan

[madbilly]

Hi @Nathen15,

Yes they found the number but in my case it could not be retrieved, it is back in the number pool for random allocation apparently.

Good luck! 🙂

[jaya1920]

Hi, If you don’t mind me asking how did you find out that the number belonged to vodaphone? I’m in the same position, the no. is 10 years old but I just have no idea where it is and I want to have it again.

Thanks 

Jen

[catemilne]

similar situation here, i cant access my online banking, apple id, spotify, microsoft or anything because they all require sms verification and its all with a number i had with my previous contract phone i had from december 2020 to march 2021 (was still 17 so was under my parents name and they cancelled it because we had an argument)

is there any way i could retrieve the number? i'll easily pay for it.