- WhatsApp is the main instant messaging application, with billions of users
- Normally, we can find some problems or doubts when it comes to changing our phone number or smartphone, but today we should not suffer significant loss of information
- We analyze some of the most frequent queries that customers have these days, so that all the implications of moving from one number or device to another in the messenger are clear.
WhatsApp does not need any introduction, since we are talking about the most famous instant messaging application in the world and one that almost all, if not all, use on a daily basis. Well, from time to time there are circumstances in which the phone number associated with our account must be changed. If you just want to start over, or if you go from one company to another, for example. If you are in this situation, we will show you how to change the phone number in WhatsApp and several more details that you should know.
In general, we find that since every WhatsApp account is linked to a phone number, it is important to update it as soon as we change the number or phone number. If we do not, we run the risk of losing all WhatsApp history and, with that, useful or relevant data that can
That said, in the following lines we are going to teach you how to change the phone number in WhatsApp and also we will answer some of the most frequent questions that occur in these cases.
In fact, it is not a very complicated procedure because WhatsApp itself developed a function called Change number, which we can take advantage of whenever we have a new number and / or phone. Thanks to it, all group and individual chats, profile data, display name, etc. are saved.
Change the phone number in WhatsApp step by step
Once you have the SIM in hand, you must place it in the new smartphone, and when you are sure that you have a signal and can receive calls and text messages or SMS, follow these steps:
- Start WhatsApp
- Go to Settings
- Enter the «Account» section
- Then to “Change phone number”
- «Next» and enter your old phone number
- When done, type in your new phone number
- «Next» again, and choose who you want to notify about this
- Once that preference is set, select Done, and the check mark
- Accept the Terms and Conditions and request that the six-digit code be sent to your mobile
- You have to copy that six-digit code and paste it opportunely, when WhatsApp asks you to do so
Something important that you should consider is that, by default, WhatsApp will only allow you to keep your chat history if you move between two iPhone or two Android. If you switch from one to the other, you will lose your chat history.
Final steps of the procedure: restore the backup
With the WhatsApp backup already done, the steps to follow are these:
- Tap on Allow to give access to contacts, photos, media and files
- Next you have to restore the backup, choosing your Drive or iCloud
- When that restoration is finished, you have to delete WhatsApp from your old smartphone
If you are still in doubt, you can always find out how to restore WhatsApp chat history.
And, if you don’t know how to make the backup on your iPhone or Android, you just have to keep reading.
How to backup WhatsApp?
That said, the backup of WhatsApp items is a key step for this device change to be successful. First, you will need a Drive or iCloud account, that you surely have.
On Android
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings
- Once there go to the Chats
- Enter Chat Backup
- Select “Backup Now”
- After a few minutes, you will have your WhatsApp backup
On iPhone
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings
- Once there go to the Chats
- Enter Chat Backup
- Select “Backup Now”
- After a few minutes, you will have your WhatsApp backup
Beyond that, you can also indicate a frequency with which these backups will be made.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Can I change my number only for some users? No, it is impossible to do that
When you change your WhatsApp number, that number will change for all contacts, since they are imported from the Contacts list on the phone. Others will see your current number at all times.
On the other hand, they will no longer have the possibility to see your old number once it has changed.
Will my contacts be notified if I change my WhatsApp number? If you like
When you modify the number, WhatsApp allows you to select which contacts will be notified, and you can choose if you want to notify all of them, only some, etc. It all depends on what your preference or interest is.
Will I lose my chat history? Not necessarily
You will be able to retain your chat history and keep it available whenever you change your WhatsApp number, and all you have to do is back up and restore the history when you start on the new computer.
In fact, you can also transfer other items related to your account, such as profile photo, WhatsApp display name, specific settings, individual and group chats, etc.
