How to change your WhatsApp number while keeping chats?

How to change your WhatsApp number while keeping chats - briefly?

To change your WhatsApp number while keeping your chats, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Select Account > Change Number, then enter both your old and new phone numbers.

How to change your WhatsApp number while keeping chats - in detail?

Changing your WhatsApp number while retaining your chat history is a common requirement for users who need to switch phone numbers but wish to preserve their conversation data. This process involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail to ensure a seamless transition. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Before You Start

Ensure that both your old and new phones are capable of running WhatsApp. It is also crucial to back up your chat history before initiating the change, as this will safeguard your data in case something goes wrong during the process.

Step 1: Backup Your Chats

1. Open WhatsApp on your current phone.
2. Navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
3. Tap on Backup and follow the instructions to save your chat history, media, and settings to Google Drive or iCloud. This step ensures that all your important data is safely stored.

Step 2: Change Your Number in WhatsApp Settings

1. Open WhatsApp on your current phone.
2. Go to Settings > Account > Change number.
3. Follow the prompts to enter both your old and new phone numbers.
4. Confirm that you want to change your number by tapping on Next.

Step 3: Verify Your New Number

1. WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number. You need to enter this code into the app on your current phone.
2. If you have trouble receiving the code, use the Call me option instead of SMS. This will initiate an automated call that reads out the verification code.
3. Once verified, WhatsApp will update your account with the new phone number.

Step 4: Restore Your Chats on a New Phone (if needed)

If you are switching to a new device entirely, follow these steps after installing WhatsApp on your new phone:

1. Open WhatsApp on your new phone and go through the initial setup process until you reach the screen that asks for verification.
2. Use your new phone number for the verification process.
3. When prompted to restore chats from a backup, tap on Restore.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the restoration process. This will transfer all your chat history, media, and settings from your old phone to your new one.

Step 5: Notify Your Contacts (Optional)

While WhatsApp automatically updates your contacts with your new number, it might be a good idea to manually inform some of your close contacts about the change. This ensures they are aware of your new number and can reach you without any issues.

Important Notes

• Backup Frequency: Regularly backup your chats to avoid losing important data.
• Data Transfer Limitations: Be aware that some media files, like photos and videos, might not be transferred if they are too large or if the backup process is interrupted.
• Group Admin Status: If you are an admin in any groups, your status will remain unchanged after the number change. However, other group members may need to re-add you as an admin depending on the group settings.

By following these steps meticulously, you can successfully change your WhatsApp number while preserving your chat history and ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your contacts.