How do I deactivate a number from WhatsApp - briefly?
To deactivate a number from WhatsApp, you need to delete your account. This action is irreversible and will remove all of your messages, media, and other data associated with that number.
How do I deactivate a number from WhatsApp - in detail?
Deactivating a phone number from WhatsApp can be necessary for various reasons, such as changing your phone number or switching devices. Here's a detailed guide on how to deactivate your number and set up WhatsApp with a new one:
Backup Your Data
Before you proceed, it is essential to back up your chat history and media to avoid losing important information. WhatsApp provides an option to create a backup that can be restored later.
- Open WhatsApp on your current device.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap Backup to save your chat history, photos, and videos. This backup will be stored in the cloud associated with your account (Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iOS).
Deactivate Your Number from WhatsApp
Deactivating a number from WhatsApp effectively means deleting your WhatsApp account associated with that number. Here's how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp on your current device.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap Delete My Account.
- Enter your phone number in the international format (e.g., +1234567890).
- Select a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
- Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
Set Up WhatsApp with Your New Number
Once you've deactivated your old number, you can set up WhatsApp with your new phone number:
- Install WhatsApp on your new device if it isn’t already installed.
- Open WhatsApp and follow the initial setup prompts to verify your new phone number.
- When prompted, enter your new phone number in the international format (e.g., +1234567890).
- WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number via SMS or call. Enter this code into WhatsApp when prompted.
- Once verified, you can restore your chat history and media from the backup you created earlier:
- On Android, during the setup process, tap Restore when prompted.
- On iOS, follow the prompts to sign in with your Apple ID and restore your chat history from iCloud.
Additional Tips
- Transferring WhatsApp Data: If you're switching from an Android device to an iPhone or vice versa, the process is slightly different due to platform restrictions. However, WhatsApp provides a tool for transferring data between these platforms.
- Two-Step Verification: If you have two-step verification enabled on your old account, make sure to disable it before deleting your account to avoid any issues during the deactivation process.
By following these steps, you can successfully deactivate your old phone number from WhatsApp and set up the service with a new number while ensuring that your chat history and media are preserved.