How to change the phone number in WhatsApp without losing contacts - briefly?
To change your phone number in WhatsApp without losing contacts, first back up your chat history on both your old and new phones. Then, open WhatsApp on your new phone, verify your new number, and restore your chat history from the backup.
How to change the phone number in WhatsApp without losing contacts - in detail?
Changing your phone number in WhatsApp can seem daunting, especially if you're concerned about losing your contacts and chat history. However, with the right steps, this process can be seamless. Here’s a detailed guide on how to change your phone number in WhatsApp without losing any of your important data:
Firstly, ensure that both your old and new phone numbers are active and can receive SMS or calls. This is crucial for the verification process during the number change. Also, make sure your WhatsApp application is up-to-date to avoid any potential issues.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before making any changes, it’s always wise to back up your chat history. WhatsApp provides an easy way to do this via Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iOS. To back up your data:
- On Android: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Tap on 'Back Up' and follow the prompts to save your backup to Google Drive.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Tap on 'Back Up Now' and follow the instructions.
Step 2: Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp
Now that you have backed up your data, you can proceed with changing your phone number. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings (the three dots or gear icon at the top right corner).
- Tap on 'Account'.
- Select 'Change Number'.
- On the next screen, enter your old phone number in the first field and your new phone number in the second field. Tap 'Next' to continue.
- WhatsApp will ask you to verify your new number. You’ll receive a code via SMS or call on your new number. Enter this code when prompted.
- Once verified, you can choose whether to notify your contacts about the change. This is optional but recommended if you want your contacts to be aware of your new phone number.
Step 3: Restore Your Data (if needed)
If for any reason you need to restore your chat history after changing your number, follow these steps:
- On Android: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. When prompted, verify your new number. During the setup process, you’ll be asked if you want to restore your chats from a backup. Tap 'Restore' and follow the prompts.
- On iOS: Simply reinstall WhatsApp. When prompted, verify your new number. During the setup process, you’ll see an option to restore your chat history. Tap 'Restore Chat History' and follow the instructions.
Additional Tips
- Ensure that your new phone number is active and can receive SMS or calls before starting the change process.
- Notify important contacts manually if you choose not to let WhatsApp notify them for you.
- If you encounter any issues, try clearing the cache of WhatsApp (Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage & Cache > Clear Cache) and then restarting the app.
By following these steps, you can change your phone number in WhatsApp without losing any of your precious contacts or chat history.