“I'd rather not give my number”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   I keep my personal number for personal use. Could we stick to work chat or email for anything urgent?

   Boss · Chat

   Good for a manager who wants out-of-hours contact, since it states the boundary and names the channels you do use.

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2. 02

   I'm not comfortable sharing my personal number, but you can always reach me here on chat.

   Coworker · Chat

   Friendly with a colleague who wants to start texting, and it points them to a channel you already share.

   Use for my message
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3. 03

   Thanks for asking. I don't share my personal number, but email is the best way to reach me, and I'm glad to book a call if a conversation would help.

   Client · Email

   Fits a client who asks for a direct line because it holds the boundary and offers a dependable route to you.

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4. 04

   I'd prefer to keep my phone number off applications for now. Please contact me by email, and we can arrange next steps there.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Suits early hiring conversations when a form or recruiter asks for a number you aren't ready to share.

   Use for my message
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5. 05

   I keep my personal number private, so please use the team chat or email for anything work-related. That way nothing gets missed.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Helps a manager set a clear norm for the team without making it feel like a personal rejection.

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6. 06

   For privacy reasons I don't share my personal number. This email address is the best way to reach me about your order.

   Customer · Email

   Right for a customer who asks for your mobile, since the reason keeps it from sounding arbitrary and the alternative is clear.

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7. 07

   Hi Lorraine, I keep my personal number for family and friends. Please message me on work chat instead. Thanks!

   Coworker · SMS

   Handy when a colleague already texts you from elsewhere, as it is short, warm and redirects them politely.

   Use for my message
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Examples

What to avoid

• Over-apologizing or piling on excuses weakens the message, and one clear sentence is enough.
• Inventing a reason, like a broken phone, leaves you something to keep up later.
• Saying “maybe later” when you mean no only invites more requests.
• Leaving the person without another route is unhelpful, so always name email or chat as the way to reach you.
• Sounding accusatory, as if they were wrong to ask, will put people on the defensive.

Related phrases

• How to say “go away” professionally→
• How to say “I'm declining the opportunity” professionally→
• Better ways to say “I can't make the potluck”→
• Saying “I can't give a referral” at work→
• A kinder way to say “I'd rather not share my number”→
• A kinder way to say “I'm in a time crunch”→