How to remove my number from WhatsApp - briefly?
To remove your number from WhatsApp, you can either delete your account or simply change your phone number within the app settings. Deleting your account will permanently remove your number and all associated data, while changing your phone number allows you to keep your account and chat history intact but with a new number.
How to remove my number from WhatsApp - in detail?
Removing your phone number from WhatsApp is a process that can be necessary for various reasons, such as switching phones or ensuring privacy. Below are the detailed steps you need to follow to successfully remove your number from WhatsApp:
Backup Your Data
Before proceeding with the removal of your number, it's crucial to back up your chat history and media. WhatsApp provides an in-built backup feature that allows you to save your data to iCloud (for iPhone users) or Google Drive (for Android users). To do this:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to
Settings>Chats. - Tap on
Chat Backup. - Follow the prompts to back up your chats and media.
Deactivate Your Account
To remove your phone number from WhatsApp, you will need to deactivate your account. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Go to
Settings>Account. - Tap on
Delete My Account. - Enter your phone number in the international format (e.g., +1 2345678901).
- Select a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
- Tap on
Delete My Account.
Delete Your Number From WhatsApp Server
Once you have deactivated your account, WhatsApp will remove your phone number and all associated data from their servers within 30 days. During this period, your contacts won’t be able to see your profile or send messages to your deactivated account.
Reinstall WhatsApp (Optional)
If you intend to use WhatsApp again with a different phone number, you can reinstall the application on your device and set it up with the new number. Follow these steps:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Download and install WhatsApp from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open WhatsApp and follow the setup process to register your new phone number.
Important Considerations
- Backup: Always ensure you have a recent backup of your chat history before deactivating your account.
- Contact Information: Inform your contacts that you are changing your number, so they can update their address books accordingly.
- Data Privacy: Deleting your account ensures that your data is removed from WhatsApp’s servers, enhancing your data privacy.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove your phone number from WhatsApp and maintain control over your personal information.