How to change Number on WhatsApp

Change number on WhatsApp is a feature that allows users to transfer their account to a new phone number without losing chat data, groups, and settings. This feature is extremely useful in a variety of situations, such as when changing phone carriers, getting a new number, or switching to a new SIM card. WhatsApp simplifies the migration process by keeping your information intact and ensuring a smooth transition.

In this blogpost, we will explore how to change numbers on WhatsApp, what steps to follow, and what happens to your data once the procedure is complete. We will also delve into the differences between Android and iPhone devices and what to do to avoid losing chats and groups.

What happens when you change your number on WhatsApp?

When you change your number on WhatsApp, the app transfers all your account information and data from your old number to your new one. Here’s exactly what happens:

Chat data: All chats, both individual and group, are migrated to the new phone number.
WhatsApp Groups: You will remain a member of the groups you were already in. You will not have to be added again, as the app automatically updates the groups with your new number.
WhatsApp Profile: Your profile, including image, bio and settings, will remain unchanged after the number change.
WhatsApp backup: Chat backup is associated with your phone number. Changing numbers does not affect existing backups, but it is important to create a new backup to avoid data loss.
Contacts and Alerts: Your contacts will receive automatic notification of number changes, if activated. This feature is useful to ensure that people can continue to reach you without interruption.

How to Change Number on WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide

The process of changing your phone number on WhatsApp is simple and can be completed in minutes. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it, both on Android and iPhone.

Before You Begin

Before changing numbers on WhatsApp, there are a few things you should do to ensure that everything works properly:

Make sure you can receive texts or calls on the new phone number, as WhatsApp will send a verification code.
Back up chats to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone). This is essential to avoid data loss.
Insert the new SIM card into your phone, as WhatsApp will prompt you to verify the new number.

Change Number on WhatsApp for Android

Open WhatsApp: Launch the app and go to the main menu by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner.
Settings: Select “Settings” and then “Accounts.”
Change Number: Choose the “Change Number” option. WhatsApp will show you a screen explaining what happens during the number change.
Number Verification: Click “Next” and enter your old phone number in the first box and your new number in the second box.
Notification to Contacts: You can decide whether to notify your contacts of the number change. You can select “All contacts,” “Contacts I chat with,” or customize the list.
Verify New Number: WhatsApp will send a verification code to the new phone number. Enter the code to complete the process.

Change Number on WhatsApp for iPhone

The process is similar to that for Android, with a few minor differences:

Open WhatsApp: Go to the WhatsApp app and open “Settings” by clicking on the icon at the bottom right.
Change Number: Go to “Account” and then select “Change Number.”
Enter Numbers: Enter your old number and then your new phone number. Press “Next.”
Notify Contacts: As on Android, you can choose whether to notify your contacts.
Verify New Number: You will receive a verification code by text message or call on the new number. Enter the code to complete the process.

What Happens to Your Data After Number Change?

One of the main advantages of the number change system on WhatsApp is that your data remains intact and the process is completely automatic. Here is in detail what happens to your data:

Chats and Messages: Your previous chats and messages remain saved on the device. If you have enabled backup to Google Drive or iCloud, you can also restore messages to a new phone.
Images, Videos and Files: All media files exchanged via WhatsApp remain accessible and associated with conversations.
WhatsApp Groups: You don’t lose access to groups. WhatsApp will automatically update your number in groups, so you don’t have to be added back.
Profile and Settings: Your profile settings, such as image, bio, and notification preferences, remain the same.

Useful Tips for Number Change on WhatsApp

To ensure that the number change process on WhatsApp goes smoothly, here are some useful tips:

Make a Backup Before Changing Number: Before starting the process, be sure to make a backup of your chats and media files. This will help you prevent any data loss during the transition.
Notify Contacts: Although WhatsApp allows you to automatically notify your contacts, you may consider sending a personal message to your most important contacts, informing them of your number change. This way, you can be sure that no one will miss your updates.
Verify New Number Access: Make sure your new number can receive calls or text messages, as this is critical to receiving the WhatsApp verification code. If the number is not active or not working properly, you will not be able to complete the verification process.

Change WhatsApp Number on Dual SIM Devices

For those using Dual SIM devices, WhatsApp allows you to choose which SIM to link your account with, but you can only use one number at a time. If you change SIMs or wish to change the number associated with your account, you will need to follow the same procedure as described above for Android or iPhone.

In this case, managing WhatsApp on Dual SIM requires that you carefully choose which number to use for your main purposes (personal or business). WhatsApp does not support simultaneous management of two accounts on a Dual SIM device, although some third-party solutions offer methods to get around this limitation.

Restoring Chats and Backups

One of the crucial aspects during a number change on WhatsApp is the backup of chats. WhatsApp allows users to create automatic or manual backups of chats via Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iPhone.

How to Make a Backup

Android: Go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat Backup” and select Google Drive to create a backup.
iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat Backup” and select iCloud to back up.

Once you have changed the number, you can restore the backup and recover all previous conversations.

Conclusion

Number switching on WhatsApp is a simple and straightforward process designed to help users keep their data and chats intact when they change phone numbers. Whether you are changing carriers, SIMs, or phones, WhatsApp makes it easy to migrate your account without losing important groups, contacts, or conversations.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can perform the procedure in a matter of minutes and continue to use WhatsApp without interruption.

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