How to change my phone number for WhatsApp?

How to change my phone number for WhatsApp - briefly?

To change your phone number on WhatsApp, open the app, go to Settings > Account > Change Number. Follow the prompts to verify your new number and confirm the change.

How to change my phone number for WhatsApp - in detail?

Changing your phone number on WhatsApp is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure that you retain access to your account and all your data remains intact. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to successfully change your WhatsApp number.

Firstly, it's important to understand that changing your phone number on WhatsApp does not delete your account or any of your messages. The process merely updates your contact information within the app. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Backup Your Chat History: Before proceeding with the change, it is highly recommended to backup your chat history. This ensures that all your conversations and media are saved in case anything goes wrong during the process. To create a backup:

    • Open WhatsApp.
    • Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Tap on 'Back Up Now' and follow the prompts to save your chat history to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device.
  2. Update Your Phone Number: Once you have backed up your data, you can proceed with updating your phone number:

    • Open WhatsApp.
    • Go to Settings > Account.
    • Tap on 'Change Number'.
    • You will be prompted to enter both your old and new phone numbers. Ensure that the country codes are correct for both numbers.
    • After entering the numbers, tap 'Next' to proceed.
  3. Verify Your New Phone Number: WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number. Follow these steps to complete the process:

    • Wait for the SMS or call with your verification code.
    • Enter the code in the field provided within WhatsApp.
    • Tap 'Next' to confirm that you have received the code on your new phone number.
  4. Notify Your Contacts (Optional): After successfully updating your phone number, WhatsApp gives you the option to notify your contacts about the change. This can help ensure that your contacts are aware of your new number and can update their records accordingly.

    • Tap on 'Notify My Contacts' if you wish to inform them of the change.
    • If you choose not to, simply tap 'Skip'.
  5. Confirm the Change: Once you have notified your contacts or chosen to skip this step, WhatsApp will finalize the change. Your account will now be linked to your new phone number, and all your chat history, groups, and settings will remain intact.

By following these detailed steps, you can seamlessly change your phone number on WhatsApp while ensuring that your account and data are fully protected throughout the process.