Activating your Number
After acquiring a Degenphone number through sale or marketplace, it starts in locked status by default. Locked numbers cannot receive SMS or make calls. You must unlock them to use telecommunications features.
Note: The prepaid service period starts counting immediately after you mint or purchase a number, regardless of whether it's locked or unlocked.
Understanding Number Status
Numbers exist in two primary states:
Locked: Default state for new numbers. The NFT is in your wallet but you cannot receive SMS or make calls. The number shows as "Fresh" if never unlocked before.
Unlocked: Once you unlock a number, it becomes "Recycled" status and you can receive SMS immediately. Voice calls available when feature launches. The number remains Recycled even if you later sell it.
How to Unlock Your Number
The process is simple:
Select your number
Click "Unlock"
You can now receive messages to that number inside Degenphone.
Once unlocked, the status of the number permanently changes to "Recycled." This marks that the number has been activated at least once.
When to Unlock Numbers
You should unlock numbers when you're ready to start using them for SMS reception. Remember that your prepaid service period is already counting down from the moment the number was minted, so there's no benefit to keeping numbers locked if you plan to use them.
If you bought numbers purely as investment assets and don't need to use them, you can leave them locked. They'll show as "Fresh" status which some buyers prefer when purchasing from the marketplace.
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