📱㊙️ The Ultimate Secret to Keeping Your Phone Number! Say Goodbye to Number Loss Crisis! Easily Get Your Exclusive “Number Retention Phone” for Just 8 Yuan! 💰 Super Detailed Anti-Scam & Anti-Pitfall Tutorial!

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Girls, have you ever used a phone number for years, deeply tied to your bank cards, WeChat, Alipay, various apps, and even social security/medical insurance, only to suddenly receive a ‘friendly’ reminder from the carrier (because you went abroad, changed jobs, or simply forgot to top up) saying, “Your number might be canceled”?! 😱 I totally get it, that panicked feeling, like losing half your life, even worse than a breakup! Especially those old numbers with “sentimental value,” it’s truly hard to say goodbye! 👋

Don’t panic! Today, I, the ‘Number Retention Master,’ am here to give you a lesson, making sure your phone number stays safe and sound, without wasting a single penny, and helping you avoid countless pitfalls! Just spend a few minutes patiently reading this post, and it will definitely open your eyes. From now on, you’ll have phone number freedom and worry-free retention! 🎉

Part 1: Understanding the Basic Logic of “Number Retention”: What Exactly Is It? Why Is It So Important?!

First, let’s clarify a concept: what does “number retention” actually retain? Many people think “number retention” simply means preventing your SIM card from expiring, which is certainly one goal. But the deeper meaning is to maintain your “ownership” and “active status” of your phone number. Carriers reclaim numbers primarily for resource recycling, to avoid numbers lying idle and wasted. What we need to do is to ensure, at the lowest cost, that the carrier knows: This number, I’m still using it! I still need it!

🤔 Why Is Keeping Your Phone Number a Must? How Serious Are the Consequences if You Don’t?

Sisters, don’t underestimate a phone number! It’s no longer just a communication tool; it’s your “identity card” and “connector” in the digital world!

  1. 💰 The Lifeline of Your “Digital Wallet”: WeChat, Alipay, bank cards, various financial apps… Almost all accounts involving money are tied to your phone number. Once your number is reclaimed, imagine: could your money become inaccessible? Transfers blocked? Or even someone else registering accounts with your old number, impersonating you? 😱 This isn’t scaremongering; every year, there are cases of old phone numbers being reclaimed, leading to account information leaks or even financial losses! A friend of mine didn’t retain her number before going abroad, and later found her domestic Taobao account re-bound to a new number. She almost couldn’t get it back! Just thinking about it gives me chills!
  2. 🤝 The Hub of Your “Social Circle”: WeChat, QQ, Douyin, Weibo… All your social connections are built on this number. If you change your number, you’ll have to notify friends, colleagues, and clients one by one. The sheer volume of work is daunting, right? Not to mention those people you contact occasionally but who are very important, whose other contact information you might not have!
  3. ✈️ A Must-Have for Overseas Students, Travel Enthusiasts, and Multi-Number Users: Many sisters going abroad for study or work, or who travel frequently, choose to get a local SIM card abroad. But their domestic Chinese number can’t be discarded because Chinese apps require SMS verification codes! For example, for study applications, domestic bank operations, social security/medical insurance inquiries, or even online shopping for deliveries, a domestic number’s SMS verification is indispensable. So, “number retention” is truly a lifeline for these sisters!
  4. 🔐 The “Lifeline” for Various Important Account Verification Codes: Email registration, website logins, food delivery apps, ride-hailing apps, government service platforms (tax, social security, provident fund), and even smart home device bindings… Which one doesn’t require a phone number verification code? Once the number is invalid, it’s virtually impossible to do anything! Which sister can endure life without food delivery?! 🍚
  5. 👵👴 Family Affection Network: Many elderly family members might only remember your one phone number. If you change your number, they might not be able to reach you and will be very anxious. This implicit importance is often overlooked.

So, sisters, keeping your number is no small matter! It concerns your financial security, interpersonal relationships, daily convenience, and even your emotional well-being! Take my advice today: keep your phone number firmly in your hands at the lowest possible cost!

Part 2: 💰 The Big Three Carriers’ “Number Retention” Hacks Revealed! Step-by-Step Guide to Get It Done!

Now, for the main event! In China, phone numbers primarily belong to three major carriers: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Don’t listen to some people who say there are “no number retention plans”—they simply D-O-N’T K-N-O-W! Or the customer service agent isn’t familiar with the service! Based on my practical experience and the successful cases of countless sisters, as long as you find the right method, everyone can achieve low-cost number retention!

Core Idea: Find the carrier’s officially provided “lowest monthly plan” or “service suspension for number retention.”

🚀 A. China Mobile: The 8-Yuan “Free Choice” or “8-Yuan Feixiang Plan”! My Personal Secret Weapon!

China Mobile has the largest user base and is what most people are concerned about. Its “number retention” methods are quite mature, and the most common one discussed is the “8-yuan plan.”

  1. 🌟 8-Yuan Plan Core Analysis:
    • Plan Content: Typically includes 5 minutes of talk time + 30MB of data, or sometimes no data, only talk time. But the core is – its monthly fee is super low, yet it keeps your number! For sisters who only need to retain their number and not actively use it, this is a divine plan!
    • Target Users: Most suitable for those with secondary SIMs, backup numbers, or sisters who live abroad long-term but need to keep their domestic number for receiving verification codes. If this is your primary card and you have high call/data needs, this plan clearly won’t be enough.
    • Ease of Application: It used to require “coaxing and persistence” to apply, but it’s generally much easier now. Still, pay attention to the method!
  2. 📝 8-Yuan Plan Application “One-Move Instant Solution” Secret (Experience Summary):
    • Preferred Channel: Call 10086 Customer Service! This is the most successful method!
      • Calling Steps: Dial 10086 -> Transfer to human service (usually press 0 or follow voice prompts) -> Directly tell the customer service agent: “Hello, I’d like to change my phone number to the lowest monthly number retention plan. I’ve seen online there’s an 8-yuan plan, can you please help me apply for it?”
      • Possible Customer Service Responses and Counter-Strategies:
        • A. They process it directly: Congratulations, you’ve met an angel! 👏 They’ll usually ask if you want to cancel your original plan, and the new plan will take effect next month. Confirm, and you’re good.
        • B. They say this plan doesn’t exist: This is the most common! Don’t panic! Respond calmly! You can say: “My number is not used often/I’m going abroad/it’s mainly for receiving verification codes. My current plan is too expensive. The 8-yuan plan is officially available, and many users have successfully applied for it. Could you please check again or help me apply for it?” If they still insist it’s not available, you can say: “Then please transfer me to a higher-level business processing department/complaint department, or I will have to cancel my number.” (This tactic is usually effective because customer service agents have performance pressure to retain customers.)
        • C. They recommend other low-cost plans: For example, 19-yuan or 28-yuan plans. You can compare the content; if it’s truly more cost-effective, you can consider it. But if your need is purely the lowest monthly fee for retention, stick to 8 yuan! Remember, your goal is “lowest monthly fee to retain,” not to upgrade your plan.
    • Alternative Channel 1: Mobile Business Hall (Physical Store):
      • Go directly to a local China Mobile business hall. Bring your ID card and phone.
      • Application Process: Tell the counter staff you want to apply for the lowest monthly plan for number retention.
      • Pros: Face-to-face communication, issues can be resolved on the spot, high success rate. Customer service seeing you’re “really” considering cancellation might make them more willing to process it.
      • Cons: Time-consuming, requires going out.
    • Alternative Channel 2: Mobile Official App:
      • Open the “China Mobile” official app, search for keywords like “plan change,” “tariff plan,” “8 yuan free choice.”
      • Pros: Convenient and quick, can operate from home. Some regions now allow direct application in the app.
      • Cons: Some regions might not have an online entry, or the app might show it as “unavailable.” So if online doesn’t work, you’ll still need to call 10086.
  3. ⚠️ Important Notes:
    * Check points and contracts beforehand: Before applying, first check if your number has an unexpired contract (e.g., a few years ago you got a large data plan with free talk time) or unredeemed points. If there’s a contract, you might need to pay a breach penalty to change the plan. Points can be redeemed in the app, don’t waste them!
    * Effective next month: Most plan changes become effective on the 1st of the next month, so you’ll still be charged by your old plan this month.
    * Keep proof: After successful application, clarify the effective date and plan content. It’s best to take screenshots or record the conversation, just in case.

🚢 B. China Unicom: 5-Yuan “Ice Cream” or “No Data Plan”! Flexible and Varied!

Unicom’s “number retention” plans are usually even lower than Mobile’s, sometimes allowing for a 5-yuan tier, but the specific content varies by region.

  1. 🌟 5-Yuan Plan Core Analysis:
    • Plan Content: In some regions, it’s a 5-yuan monthly fee, including free domestic incoming calls, and a small amount of data and call minutes; in others, it might be purely a “low-consumption card” with almost no included data or calls.
    • Target Users: Same as Mobile, suitable for backup cards, overseas users, etc.
    • Ease of Application: Potentially easier than Mobile.
  2. 📝 5-Yuan Plan Application “One-Move Instant Solution” Secret:
    • Preferred Channel: Call 10010 Customer Service!
      • Calling Steps: Dial 10010 -> Transfer to human service -> Clearly state you want to apply for the “lowest monthly number retention plan,” or ask if there’s a 5-yuan monthly plan.
      • Counter-Strategy: Unicom customer service is usually more straightforward; if such a plan exists, they’ll often tell you directly and process it. If you encounter an
        unclear response, you can still try the “I want to cancel my number” tactic.
    • Alternative Channel 1: Unicom Business Hall (Physical Store): Same as Mobile.
    • Alternative Channel 2: Unicom Mobile Official App:
      • Search within the app for keywords like “plan,” “tariff,” “5 yuan.” Unicom’s app sometimes refreshes its plan offerings, so keep an eye out.
  3. ⚠️ Important Notes: Same as Mobile, check contracts and points in advance, and note the effective date.

🗼 C. China Telecom: 9-Yuan Star Card or “Service Suspension for Number Retention” Is More Common! Sometimes Slightly Different!

Telecom’s “number retention” plans might have less clear low-monthly choices compared to Mobile and Unicom, but “service suspension for number retention” is a major feature and very practical!

  1. 🌟 Telecom Number Retention Core Analysis:
    • “9-Yuan Star Card” or Similar Low Consumption: Some regions have offered 9-yuan monthly plans, like the 9-Yuan Star Card, Youth Campus Card, etc., with very low monthly fees, but pay attention to the specific content and national availability.
    • “Service Suspension for Number Retention” Service: This is a very common way to retain numbers with Telecom, and it’s officially promoted.
  2. 📝 Telecom Number Retention Application “One-Move Instant Solution” Secret:
    • Preferred Channel: Call 10000 Customer Service!
      • Calling Steps: Dial 10000 -> Transfer to human service ->
        • Option 1 (Lowest Monthly Fee): Directly ask if there’s a lowest monthly fee number retention plan, or something similar to the 9-Yuan Star Card.
        • Option 2 (Service Suspension for Number Retention): If the lowest monthly fee doesn’t work, directly request to apply for “service suspension for number retention.”
      • Content of Service Suspension: Usually costs 5 yuan/month (some regions free or lower). The number pauses all communication services (cannot make calls, send SMS, or use data), but CAN RECEIVE SMS VERIFICATION CODES (this is crucial!!! This is also what makes it better than outright cancellation). The number can be retained long-term as long as you pay this “retention fee” monthly.
      • Target Users: Numbers that are not used regularly and are solely for receiving verification codes. For example, if you go abroad for half a year or a year and want to use this card when you return, this is very suitable.
      • Pros: Clear, official, stable!
    • Alternative Channels: Telecom Business Hall (Physical Store) / Telecom Official App: You can also try these. Search for “service suspension for number retention” or “loss report” function in the app, sometimes it includes the option for service suspension.
  3. ⚠️ Important Notes:
    * Duration of Service Suspension: Usually, you can apply for 6 months at a time, remember to renew before it expires. Some places might allow for long-term application.
    * Reactivation: When you need to use it, you can apply for reactivation via the app, business hall, or by calling 10000. It will resume normal plan charges next month.
    * Cost: Confirm the specific service suspension fee to avoid unnecessary expenses.

💡 Ultimate Success Rules for Applying for “Number Retention Plans/Services”:

  1. Clear Goal: I want the lowest monthly fee! I want to keep my number!
  2. Patient Communication: Customer service might be unfamiliar with the business or initially “refuse.” You need to patiently explain your needs and situation.
  3. Emphasize Pain Points: Tell customer service that the number is very important to you, and if they can’t help, you might have to consider canceling it (the trump card!).
  4. Persist: If one customer service agent doesn’t work, try another! Or ask to escalate the issue! Carriers won’t easily give up on an active user, even a low-ARPPU one.
  5. Combine Online and Offline: If you can’t solve it online, go to a physical business hall.

Part 3: 🤯 Advanced “Number Retention” Guide & Pitfall Avoidance! A Must-Read for Overseas Students & Multi-Number Users!

Once you’ve applied for a number retention plan, are you set for life? NO! Sisters, a true “number retention master” needs to know more advanced operations and anti-pitfall tips!

✈️ 1. A Must-Read for Overseas Students: Cross-Border Number Retention! Keeping Your Domestic Number Smoothly Operational Abroad!

For sisters going abroad to study, work, or travel long-term, the issue of retaining their domestic phone number is crucial. It’s your “root” in China!

  • ⚡️ Core Need: You MUST be able to receive SMS verification codes!
    * Solution:
    1. Apply for the lowest monthly number retention plan: This is the lifeline for all your domestic Chinese app verification codes abroad! Without it, you might not even be able to log in to your domestic bank app while overseas!
    2. Activate international roaming (International/Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan Roaming): While applying for the number retention plan, make sure! Make sure! Make sure international roaming is activated. Otherwise, you won’t receive SMS messages abroad! Most plans now have it activated by default, but you can check in the 10086/10010/10000 carrier apps or ask customer service directly.
    3. Ensure sufficient balance: While receiving SMS messages under international roaming is free, if you have a negative balance domestically, your phone number will still be suspended and unusable abroad. So, even with a retention plan, ensure you have enough balance each month for the deduction!
    4. Set up auto-recharge: This is the “game-changer” for overseas students! In Alipay, WeChat, or the carrier’s official app, link your bank card and set up an “auto phone top-up” function, for example, automatically topping up 50 yuan when the balance falls below 10 yuan. This completely eliminates the awkwardness of running out of balance and your number being suspended while abroad! I always do this when going abroad, and it works every time! No more worrying about being stuck by an SMS verification code in the middle of the night!
    5. Physical SIM vs. eSIM: If your phone supports dual SIMs or eSIM, you can buy a local eSIM or physical card abroad for local calls and data. Then, keep your domestic retention SIM in the other slot or in an old phone, specifically for receiving domestic verification codes. This is currently the optimal solution!
  • 🚨 Anti-Pitfall Reminder:
    • International roaming is NOT free internet! International roaming data fees are extremely high; even making calls, browsing, or sending SMS messages are charged at international roaming rates! So, do NOT use data on your retention card while abroad! Only use it to receive SMS messages! For internet and calls, use a local SIM or Wi-Fi.
    • Pay attention to top-up channels: When abroad, using Alipay or WeChat to top up your domestic phone number is the most convenient. Remember to link a domestic bank card or have RMB balance.
    • Number validity period: Some carrier plans have a number validity period, for example, requiring at least one activity (call/SMS/data usage) within XX days. Retention plans usually don’t have this restriction, but to be safe, you can occasionally send an SMS to your domestic friends/family to keep it active.

📱 2. Good News for Multi-Number Users: How to Efficiently Manage Multiple Phone Numbers! No More Fumbling!

Many sisters might have more than one phone number, such as a work number, personal number, family number, data-only SIM, etc. How to scientifically and effectively manage them to avoid confusion and accidental cancellation?

  • Solution:
    1. Categorize Management:
      • Primary Card: Daily use, main for calls and data.
      • Retention Card: Only for receiving verification codes and occasional contact, lowest monthly fee.
      • Data-only Card (Optional): Specifically for maximizing data usage, e.g., certain large data plans.
    2. Physical Device Management:
      • Dual-SIM Phone: The optimal solution! One phone handles two numbers.
      • Backup Old Phone: If your primary phone doesn’t support dual SIMs, or you want to physically separate the retention card from your primary card, use an old phone specifically for the retention SIM. Keep it at home, connect to Wi-Fi, and periodically check for important SMS messages to ensure it’s active.
      • Professional SIM Card Holder: Organize all unused physical SIM cards, labeling them with the card number, carrier, activation date, for easy retrieval.
    3. Expense Management:
      • Comprehensive Auto-Recharge: Set up auto-recharge for all numbers you need to retain—this is the ultimate weapon against suspension and cancellation!
      • Monthly Bill Reminders: Have the carrier or bank app send you monthly bill reminders to check for any abnormal deductions.
      • Electronic Spreadsheet Record: Create a simple electronic spreadsheet to record each phone number’s owner, carrier, plan type, monthly fee, activation date, and even the next date for attention (e.g., contract expiration, low balance alert). Everything at a glance!
  • 🚨 Anti-Pitfall Reminder:
    • Don’t let your retention card just sit there: Even a retention card needs occasional attention. For example, periodically check if you’ve received spam SMS ads. If you suddenly receive many strange verification codes from abroad or peculiar sources, be alert to whether you’ve been targeted by illegal activities.
    • Beware of “number re-issuance” risk: Carriers reclaim discarded numbers and re-issue them into the market. If you don’t retain your number in time, and your old number is activated by a new user, your bank accounts, WeChat, etc., might face security risks!

🙅‍♀️ 3. Preventing “Scam” and “Number Loss” Risks! Your Phone Number Security First!

On the journey of “number retention,” you might encounter some traps and misunderstandings. Sisters, keep your eyes peeled and prevent potential issues!

  • ⚠️ Trap 1: So-called “free number retention” or “agent service for number retention”!
    * Identification: Some third-party services claim to offer “free number retention” or ask for your ID information to “handle on your behalf.” Immediately! REFUSE! These are overwhelmingly scams! They might steal your personal information to apply for loans or sell your number to criminals!
    * Counter-measure: Always process any business ONLY through official carrier channels (customer service hotlines, official apps, official business halls)! This is the ONLY way to ensure safety!
  • ⚠️ Trap 2: Long-term non-use leading to automatic number cancellation by the carrier!
    * Identification: Even if you have a retention plan, if the number is consistently in arrears, or has no communication activity (calls, SMS, data) for a long time, the carrier has the right to unilaterally cancel your number.
    * Counter-measure:
    • Set up auto-recharge: Again, this is the lifeline for preventing cancellation!
    • Periodically “stay active”: Even for a retention card, it’s advisable to occasionally make a call, send an SMS, or briefly turn on mobile data (be mindful of data fees!). Let the carrier know your number is still in use.
    • Pay attention to SMS reminders: Carriers might sometimes send SMS reminders about your number nearing expiration; you must take these seriously!
  • ⚠️ Trap 3: Believing unofficial information and missing the best time for retention!
    * Identification: Some people spread false information online, like “a certain carrier canceled the 8-yuan plan” or “a certain carrier cannot process service suspension for number retention.”
    * Counter-measure: Always rely on official carrier information! If you encounter problems, directly call the official customer service hotline or go to an official business hall for consultation. Do not believe gossip, lest you miss the optimal time for retention!
  • ⚠️ Trap 4: New card activation period and initial top-up requirements!
    * Identification: When purchasing a new number, some might have an activation period requirement (e.g., must be activated within a few days) or a minimum initial consumption requirement for the first month. If you only want to buy it as a retention card and don’t pay attention to these, it might lead to the card not activating or expiring prematurely.
    * Counter-measure: When buying a new card, carefully read the activation instructions and plan details. Especially for data-only cards purchased online, pay more attention to their activation rules and first-month billing methods.

Through these three “number retention methods,” you can not only save a large sum of unnecessary money but also completely eliminate the anxiety of losing your phone number, truly achieving “peace of mind” with your phone number!

Part 4: ❓ FAQ: What Else You Might Want to Know, All the Answers Are Here!

To make this in-depth guide more comprehensive, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions. Hope they help clear up all your doubts!

  • Q1: Can I use the internet and make calls during “number retention”?
    • A1: Yes, you can! But you need to check what your specific number retention plan includes. If it’s just an 8-yuan plan with 5 minutes of talk time + 30MB of data, that’s generally enough for a few SMS messages and a couple of emergency calls; that tiny bit of data is definitely not enough for internet browsing. Any usage exceeding the plan will be charged at standard rates, which can be very expensive! So, a retention card is mainly for sending/receiving verification codes and emergency contacts, not for daily use. If you have significant data and call needs, use your primary card.
  • Q2: Can I use the 8-yuan plan long-term? Will I be forced to upgrade?
    • A2: Theoretically, you can use it long-term. As long as the carrier doesn’t completely cancel such plans, you can continue to use it. In practice, however, carriers might occasionally call or send you SMS messages recommending you upgrade to more expensive “discounted” plans. You can choose to decline and insist on using the 8-yuan plan. They cannot force you to upgrade, as this falls under consumer’s right to choose. As long as you pay the monthly fee on time (preferably set up auto-recharge), your number will be fine.
  • Q3: Can I get my old number back?
    • A3: It depends!
      • Recently suspended: If it’s a short-term suspension, e.g., due to arrears but not yet past the reclamation period, you can usually reactivate it immediately by clearing the arrears and topping up.
      • Canceled but not re-issued: If the number has been automatically canceled by the system but hasn’t been put back into the market by the carrier (i.e., “secondary re-issuance”), you have a certain chance to apply to get it back with your ID card at a business hall. But the time window is very short, usually only a few days to weeks.
      • Already re-issued: If the number has already been taken by another user, then it’s truly unrecoverable. Therefore, prevention is key!
  • Q4: How do I top up my phone number when I’m abroad?
    • A4: The most convenient and fastest way is through the “Mobile Top-up” function in Alipay and WeChat! Link your domestic bank card, or ensure your Alipay/WeChat has RMB balance, and you can easily top up your domestic phone number. The carriers’ official apps (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom) also support online top-ups, but they might require a domestic network environment to access properly. So, Alipay and WeChat are the top choices for overseas users!
  • Q5: Once I’ve applied for a number retention plan, do I no longer need to manage it?
    • A5: Not entirely. As mentioned before, it’s best to set up auto-recharge. At the same time, I recommend occasionally logging into the carrier’s app every few months to check your plan status and balance to ensure everything is normal. If the number has been inactive for a long time, occasionally make a call or send an SMS to maintain activity, which provides even more security.

Alright, sisters, that’s all for today’s “Number Retention” anti-pitfall in-depth guide! Don’t you feel your phone number is safe now? 🥳 Quickly share this with friends who need it, especially those going abroad or multi-number users, and let’s all be shrewd “Number Retention Masters”!

If you have any questions or your unique number retention secrets, tell me in the comments below! 👇 I’m always online to answer your questions!

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