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Release a Number

Releasing a number removes it from your Waveline account, unassigns it from its inbox, stops incoming calls and messages, and stops future recurring billing for that number.

Release a number only when your organization no longer needs it. If you are replacing the number, configure and test the replacement before releasing the current one.

Release carefully

Once released, the number stops receiving calls and messages through Waveline and may later be assigned to someone else. Recovery is not guaranteed.

Before confirming, remove the number from websites, advertisements, email signatures, directories, and customer communications. Update any accounts that send login or security codes to the number so a future owner cannot receive those codes.

Before you begin

  • You must be the organization Owner.
  • If the number is assigned to an inbox, decide whether that inbox should keep a direct number. If it should, assign a replacement number before releasing the current one.
  • If this is the inbox's last number, be prepared to confirm that the inbox will become numberless.
  • If the number is reserved for a pending invitation, cancel the invitation and send a new one with a different number before releasing it.
  • Remove the number from public listings, customer communications, and accounts that use it for security codes.
  • If you are replacing it, test incoming calls, outgoing caller ID, and messages on the replacement number first.

Release the number

  1. Open Settings → Numbers.
  2. Select the number you want to release.
  3. Confirm that you selected the correct number and review its assigned inbox.
  4. Scroll to Delete and select Release number.
  5. Review the confirmation, including the billing notice. Waveline warns that the release cannot be undone and that people will no longer be able to reach you at this number.
  6. If it is the inbox's last number, review the numberless-inbox warning.
  7. Type the exact phone number shown in the confirmation dialog.
  8. Select Release number again to confirm.
  9. Wait for the success message and return to the Numbers list.

Billing after release

Releasing a number stops future recurring billing for that number. Previous recurring charges and acquisition charges are not refunded. Review the billing notice in the confirmation dialog before continuing.

What happens next

  • Waveline unassigns the number from its inbox.
  • The number disappears from the active Numbers list.
  • Incoming calls and messages to the number stop reaching Waveline.
  • Future recurring billing for the number stops.
  • The inbox and its call flow remain available. If the released number was its last number, the inbox becomes numberless and loses its direct external dial-in and text address.
  • The released number may be assigned to someone else, so recovery is not guaranteed.

Troubleshooting

I cannot select Release number

Only the organization Owner can release phone numbers. Ask the Owner to complete the release or review your role in Waveline.

The number is assigned to a pending invitation

Open Team, cancel the pending invitation, then send a new invitation with a different phone number. Return to the Numbers list and try releasing the original number again.

Waveline says this is the inbox's last phone number

This warning is expected. Releasing the number will leave the inbox without direct external calling or messaging. Assign a replacement first if the inbox should remain directly reachable, or acknowledge the warning and continue if a numberless inbox is intended.

The release is still in progress

Wait for Waveline to confirm the release. If it remains in progress, return to Settings → Numbers after a few minutes and check the number's status. Contact Waveline Support if it does not complete or the page reports an error.

The release failed

Refresh the page and confirm that the number is not reserved for a pending invitation, does not have an in-flight port request, or is not involved in another number change that is still processing. Contact Waveline Support if the release continues to fail.

I released the wrong number

Contact Waveline Support immediately. A recovery request may be possible for up to 10 days after the number was released, but restoration is not guaranteed. Update affected customers and services while the request is reviewed.

Replacing this number?

Choose or port the replacement, assign it to the inbox, and test its call flow before releasing the old number.

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