How to change accounts in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
To switch accounts in WhatsApp on an Android device, you need to create a new account by following the setup process again and then delete the old one if no longer needed. This allows for seamless transition between different WhatsApp profiles.
How to change accounts in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
Changing your account in WhatsApp on an Android device involves a few steps, as the app is designed for single-user functionality. However, you can switch between different phone numbers or accounts by using some workarounds. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Backup Your Chats
Before switching accounts, it's crucial to back up your current chats to avoid losing any important data. WhatsApp allows you to create local backups that can be restored later.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu (usually represented by three dots in the upper right corner).
- Navigate to Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on Back Up to create a backup of your messages and media to Google Drive.
Unlink Your WhatsApp Account from Google Drive
If you've previously linked your WhatsApp account with Google Drive, you should unlink it before switching accounts:
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on Account and then select Unlink.
Delete Your Current Account
To switch accounts, you need to delete your current WhatsApp account from the device. This will not delete your backup or chats on Google Drive:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap on Delete My Account.
- Enter your phone number and tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
Reinstall WhatsApp
After deleting the account, you need to reinstall WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Go to the Google Play Store and download WhatsApp again.
- Install the app and open it.
Set Up a New Account
Now you can set up a new account with a different phone number:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Follow the prompts to enter your new phone number.
- Verify your phone number by entering the code sent via SMS or call.
- Set up your profile and restore your chats from the backup if desired.
Restore Your Chats (Optional)
If you want to use WhatsApp with the same data as before, you can restore your previous backup:
- During setup, you'll be prompted to Restore your chats and media from Google Drive.
- Tap on Restore. The process may take some time depending on the size of your backup.
Important Notes
- Switching accounts this way will not merge data between different accounts; it's a complete switch.
- WhatsApp does not officially support multiple accounts on a single device, so these steps are a workaround.
- Always ensure that you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed for compatibility and security reasons.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively change your WhatsApp account on an Android device while ensuring that your data is safely backed up and restored when needed.