How to delete an old number from WhatsApp - briefly?
If you need to remove an old number from WhatsApp, follow these steps: First, open WhatsApp on your device and navigate to the 'Settings' menu. Then, select 'Account' and choose 'Delete My Account'. This action will permanently delete your account associated with the old number, ensuring that it is no longer linked to WhatsApp.
How to delete an old number from WhatsApp - in detail?
To remove an old phone number from WhatsApp, you'll need to follow a specific process. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your account remains accessible and secure.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Backup Your Data
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to backup your chat history. WhatsApp allows you to create backups that can be restored later if needed.
For Android:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on "Backup" to save your messages and media to Google Drive.
For iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on "Back Up Now" to save your messages and media to iCloud.
2. Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp
To delete an old number, you’ll first need to change your phone number within the app. Here’s how:
For Android:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap on "Change Number".
- Enter your old phone number in the top field and your new phone number in the bottom field.
- Tap "Next" and follow the prompts to verify your new number.
For iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap on "Change Number".
- Enter your old phone number in the top field and your new phone number in the bottom field.
- Tap "Next" and follow the prompts to verify your new number.
3. Delete Your Old Phone Number from WhatsApp Servers
After changing your number, you’ll need to inform WhatsApp that you no longer have access to your old phone number so it can be deleted from their servers.
For Android and iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap on "Change Number".
- Enter your old phone number in the top field and leave the bottom field empty.
- Tap "Next" and follow the prompts to inform WhatsApp that you no longer have access to this number.
4. Verify Your New Phone Number
Once you’ve informed WhatsApp about your old number, you need to verify your new phone number:
For Android:
- You should receive a verification code via SMS on your new phone number.
- Enter the code in WhatsApp when prompted.
For iPhone:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your new phone number through an automatic call or SMS.
Important Notes:
- Data Retention: Deleting an old number from WhatsApp does not delete your chat history. However, if you want to start fresh, consider deleting the app and reinstalling it after changing your number.
- Group Membership: If you were a member of groups under your old phone number, you might need to be re-added by the group admin.
- Account Security: Ensure that two-step verification is enabled on your new phone number for enhanced account security.
By following these steps, you can effectively delete an old phone number from WhatsApp and ensure a smooth transition to your new number.