When you no longer need a phone number, you can release it from your account. Releasing follows a short, guided process and a clear billing policy — here's exactly what to expect.
How to release a number
- Go to Phone Numbers → Your Numbers.
- Find the number and choose to Release it.
- Follow the three-step guide that opens.
Step 1: Detach anything using the number
A number can't be released while it's still doing a job. ReliaRing checks for anything attached to it — extensions, ring groups, voice menus, call queues, an AI receptionist, fax mailboxes, or an emergency (911) registration — and lists whatever it finds so you can go detach it.
If the number is set as your account's main number, you'll need to pick a different main number before releasing this one. The guide links you straight to where to change it.
Step 2: Review the billing and timing
Before you confirm, you'll see a clear notice about how cancellation works (explained below).
Step 3: Confirm
Enter a short reason for the release and confirm. That's it — the release is scheduled.
When the cancellation takes effect
Releasing a number takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. The number stays active until then, so calls keep working right up to the end of the period. After that, it's released and you won't be charged for it again.
The no-refund policy
Cancelling a number does not trigger a refund:
- The monthly price for the current cycle is not refunded or prorated.
- The one-time setup fee is not refunded.
This is because we pay our carrier partners for the full billing period regardless of when you cancel. In short: you keep the number until the end of the cycle you've already paid for, and there's no partial credit for cancelling early.
Changed your mind?
You get two chances, and the first one is more generous than most people expect.
Before your billing cycle ends, the number has not gone anywhere — the release is only scheduled. You can cancel it at any point up to that date and the number simply carries on. Nothing is re-provisioned and there is no new setup fee.
After the cycle ends and the number leaves your account, you have a further 7 days to restore it. The 7 days are counted from when the number actually left, not from when you clicked release.
After that, the number returns to the carrier's general inventory. At that point it may be picked up by someone else and cannot be restored, so don't count on getting it back once the window closes.
For the full detail of each stage, see Getting Back a Number You Released.
Before you release, a quick checklist
- Is the number printed on business cards, signage, your website, or online listings? Update those first.
- Have you moved any call routing or voicemail that relied on it?
- Are you keeping any messages or history you need? Save them before the number goes.
Not trying to cancel, just reorganize? If you simply want a number to ring somewhere else, you don't need to release it — just change where it routes under Your Numbers. See Organizing the Numbers You Own.