How to Change Your SPID Phone Number: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale), or Public Digital Identity System, is crucial for accessing various online public services in Italy. It’s essentially your digital key to government portals, healthcare services, and more. One of the most important pieces of information linked to your SPID is your phone number. This is used for security verification, password recovery, and receiving important notifications. Therefore, keeping your phone number up-to-date is essential to ensure you can always access your account and receive critical updates. If you’ve changed your phone number, it’s vital to update it within your SPID account. This article will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to change your SPID phone number, ensuring you maintain uninterrupted access to essential online services.

Why You Need to Update Your SPID Phone Number

Before diving into the ‘how-to’ section, let’s emphasize the importance of keeping your SPID phone number current. Several reasons underscore this necessity:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many SPID providers use your phone number for two-factor authentication. A verification code is sent to your registered phone number each time you log in from a new device or after a certain period. If your phone number is outdated, you won’t receive the code, and you’ll be locked out of your account.
• Password Recovery: If you forget your SPID password, the recovery process usually involves sending a verification code or a password reset link to your registered phone number. Without access to that number, you’ll face significant difficulties in regaining access to your account.
• Important Notifications: Government agencies and other service providers may use your SPID contact information to send important notifications, such as tax deadlines, healthcare appointments, or updates to your account. An incorrect phone number means you could miss crucial information.
• Account Security: An outdated phone number increases the risk of unauthorized access to your account. Someone else gaining control of your old number could potentially intercept security codes and compromise your SPID identity.

General Steps to Change Your SPID Phone Number

The exact process for changing your SPID phone number can vary slightly depending on your chosen SPID provider (e.g., Poste Italiane, TIM, Aruba, InfoCert, etc.). However, the general steps are usually similar. This guide covers the common procedures and provides specific instructions where differences exist. Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Your SPID Credentials: You’ll need your username (usually your email address or *codice fiscale*) and password.
• Your Old Phone Number (Potentially): In some cases, you might need access to your old phone number to receive a verification code as part of the update process. If you no longer have access, be prepared to follow alternative recovery procedures.
• Your New Phone Number: Have your new phone number readily available, as you’ll need to enter it during the process.
• A Device with Internet Access: You’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection.

Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Log in to Your SPID Provider’s Website or App: Access the official website or mobile app of the SPID provider you used to create your SPID account.
2. Navigate to Your Account Settings: Look for a section labeled “Account Settings,” “Personal Information,” “Profile,” or something similar. This is usually found in the user menu after logging in.
3. Find the Phone Number Section: Within your account settings, locate the section where your phone number is displayed. There should be an option to “Edit,” “Change,” or “Update” your phone number.
4. Verify Your Identity: The system will likely require you to verify your identity before allowing you to change your phone number. This might involve entering your password, answering security questions, or receiving a verification code on your old phone number (if you still have access to it).
5. Enter Your New Phone Number: Enter your new phone number in the designated field. Make sure you enter it correctly, including the country code (+39 for Italy).
6. Verify Your New Phone Number: You’ll typically receive a verification code via SMS on your new phone number. Enter this code in the system to confirm that you have access to the number.
7. Save the Changes: Once you’ve verified your new phone number, save the changes to update your SPID profile.
8. Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your phone number has been successfully updated.

Specific Instructions for Popular SPID Providers

While the general steps outlined above apply to most SPID providers, here are more specific instructions for some of the most popular ones:

1. Poste Italiane (PosteID)

Poste Italiane is one of the most widely used SPID providers in Italy. Here’s how to change your phone number with PosteID:

1. Log in to PosteID: Go to the PosteID website (https://posteid.poste.it/) or open the PosteID app on your smartphone. Enter your username (*Nome Utente*) and password.
2. Access Your Profile: Once logged in, click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page.
3. Navigate to Personal Data: On your profile page, look for a section labeled “Dati Personali” (Personal Data) or something similar. Click on it.
4. Edit Your Phone Number: In the “Dati Personali” section, you should see your current phone number listed. Click on the “Modifica” (Edit) button next to it.
5. Verify Your Identity: You might be asked to verify your identity using one of the following methods:
   • PosteID App: If you have the PosteID app installed and activated, you might receive a notification on the app asking you to confirm the change.
   • SMS Code: A verification code might be sent to your old phone number. Enter the code in the designated field.

   If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you’ll need to follow the recovery procedure outlined on the PosteID website. This usually involves contacting Poste Italiane customer support.

6. Enter Your New Phone Number: Enter your new phone number in the “Nuovo Numero di Telefono” (New Phone Number) field. Be sure to include the country code (+39).
7. Verify Your New Phone Number: You will receive a verification code via SMS on your new phone number. Enter this code in the “Codice di Verifica” (Verification Code) field.
8. Save Changes: Click on the “Salva” (Save) button to save the changes.
9. Confirmation: You should see a confirmation message indicating that your phone number has been successfully updated.

2. TIM ID

TIM ID is another popular SPID provider in Italy, offered by the telecommunications company TIM. Here’s how to update your phone number with TIM ID:

1. Log in to TIM ID: Go to the TIM ID website (usually accessible through the TIM website or the MyTIM app) and log in with your username and password.
2. Access Your Profile: Look for a section called “Area Personale” (Personal Area) or “Profilo” (Profile). You may need to navigate through the MyTIM portal to find your TIM ID settings.
3. Find Contact Information: Within your profile, locate the section dedicated to your contact information. This is where you’ll find your registered phone number.
4. Edit Phone Number: Click on the option to “Modifica” (Edit) or “Cambia Numero” (Change Number) next to your current phone number.
5. Authentication: TIM ID will likely require you to authenticate your identity. This might involve:
   • Entering your password again.
   • Receiving a one-time password (OTP) on your old phone number (if accessible).
   • Using the TIM ID app for verification (if enabled).
6. Enter New Number: Input your new phone number in the designated field. Ensure the country code (+39) is included.
7. Verify New Number: A verification code will be sent to your new phone number via SMS. Enter this code in the appropriate field to confirm.
8. Save Changes: Click the “Salva” (Save) or “Conferma” (Confirm) button to finalize the changes to your profile.
9. Confirmation: Look for a confirmation message or email confirming the successful update of your phone number.

3. Aruba ID

Aruba is a well-known provider of web hosting, domain registration, and digital identity services, including SPID. Here’s how to change your phone number with Aruba ID:

1. Log in to Aruba ID: Visit the Aruba ID management portal (usually accessible through the Aruba website) and log in with your SPID credentials (username and password).
2. Access Profile Management: Once logged in, navigate to the section for managing your profile or personal data. This might be labeled as “Gestione Profilo” or something similar.
3. Locate Phone Number Section: Find the section where your phone number is displayed. There should be an option to modify it.
4. Initiate Change: Click on the “Modifica” (Edit) or “Cambia” (Change) button next to your phone number.
5. Verification Process: Aruba ID will likely require you to verify your identity before allowing you to change the phone number. This commonly involves:
   • Entering your password again.
   • Receiving a one-time password (OTP) on your registered email address (associated with your SPID).
   • Using the Aruba OTP app, if you have it configured.
6. Enter New Number: Enter your new phone number in the provided field, ensuring you include the correct country code (+39).
7. Verify New Number: A verification code will be sent to your new phone number via SMS. Enter this code in the designated field to confirm your access to the number.
8. Save Changes: Click the “Salva” (Save) or “Conferma” (Confirm) button to save the changes and update your profile.
9. Confirmation: Look for a confirmation message on the screen or a confirmation email to confirm that your phone number has been successfully updated.

4. InfoCert ID

InfoCert is another accredited SPID provider offering digital identity solutions. To change your phone number with InfoCert ID, follow these steps:

1. Log in to InfoCert ID: Go to the InfoCert website and log in to your SPID account. The specific portal for managing your SPID might be different, so look for the “Area Clienti” (Customer Area) or similar section.
2. Access Account Settings: Once logged in, navigate to the section where you can manage your account settings, profile information, or personal data. This may be labelled as “Impostazioni Account” or similar.
3. Find Phone Number Details: Locate the section displaying your current phone number. Look for an option to edit or change it.
4. Start Phone Number Change: Click on the button or link that allows you to “Modifica” (Edit) or “Cambia” (Change) your phone number.
5. Identity Verification: InfoCert ID will likely require you to verify your identity for security reasons. This may involve:
   • Re-entering your SPID password.
   • Receiving a verification code on your registered email address.
   • Using a pre-configured authentication app, if available.
6. Enter the New Phone Number: In the designated field, enter your new phone number. Remember to include the Italian country code (+39).
7. Verify the New Phone Number: You will receive a verification code via SMS on your new phone number. Enter this code in the corresponding field to confirm that you have access to the number.
8. Save the Changes: Click the “Salva” (Save) or “Conferma” (Confirm) button to save the changes and update your account information.
9. Confirmation Message: Look for a confirmation message indicating that your phone number has been successfully updated. You might also receive a confirmation email.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues when trying to change your SPID phone number. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Cannot Access Old Phone Number: If you no longer have access to your old phone number, the verification process can be challenging. Most providers offer alternative recovery options, such as:
  • Email Verification: A verification code or link might be sent to the email address associated with your SPID account.
  • Security Questions: You might be asked to answer security questions you set up when you created your SPID account.
  • Contacting Customer Support: If you can’t recover your account using the online options, you’ll need to contact your SPID provider’s customer support for assistance. Be prepared to provide documentation to verify your identity.
• Verification Code Not Received: If you don’t receive the verification code on your new phone number, try the following:
  • Check Your Phone Number: Double-check that you entered your phone number correctly, including the country code.
  • Check Your SMS Settings: Make sure your phone can receive SMS messages from unknown senders. Check your spam folder to see if the message was accidentally filtered.
  • Wait a Few Minutes: Sometimes, there can be a delay in receiving SMS messages. Wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Request a New Code: Most systems allow you to request a new verification code if you don’t receive the first one.
• Account Locked: If you enter the wrong password or verification code too many times, your account might be temporarily locked. Follow the instructions provided by your SPID provider to unlock your account. This usually involves waiting a certain period or contacting customer support.
• Technical Issues on the Provider’s Website: Sometimes, technical issues on the SPID provider’s website can prevent you from changing your phone number. Try again later or contact their customer support to report the problem.

Keeping Your SPID Secure

Updating your phone number is just one aspect of maintaining a secure SPID account. Here are some additional tips to keep your digital identity safe:

• Use a Strong Password: Choose a strong, unique password that is difficult to guess. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If your SPID provider offers 2FA, enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code from your phone or a dedicated authentication app in addition to your password.
• Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for your SPID credentials. Always access your SPID account directly through the official website or app, and never click on links from unknown sources.
• Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Make sure your operating system, web browser, and security software are up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
• Monitor Your Account Activity: Regularly check your SPID account activity for any suspicious transactions or login attempts. Report any unauthorized activity to your SPID provider immediately.

Conclusion

Changing your SPID phone number is a simple but essential task to maintain uninterrupted access to online public services in Italy. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping your account secure, you can ensure that your digital identity remains protected and that you can continue to access the services you need. Remember to always refer to your specific SPID provider’s website or app for the most up-to-date instructions and support.