How to restore a WhatsApp number if the number is lost - briefly?
If you've lost access to your WhatsApp number and need to restore it, contact WhatsApp support immediately. They can assist in verifying your identity and restoring your account with the new number.
How to restore a WhatsApp number if the number is lost - in detail?
If you've lost access to your WhatsApp account due to losing your phone number, there are several steps you can take to attempt to restore it. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed:
- Contact WhatsApp Support: The first step is to reach out to WhatsApp's support team. You can do this by going to the WhatsApp app on your current device, tapping on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner, selecting "Help," and then "Contact Us." Explain your situation clearly, providing as much detail as possible about your lost number and account.
- Verify Your Identity: WhatsApp will need to verify your identity before they can help you recover your account. This might involve providing additional information such as the last four digits of your debit or credit card number (if used for payment within WhatsApp), or other relevant details that can confirm your ownership of the account.
- Use Email or SMS Verification: If you've previously linked your email address to your WhatsApp account, this can be a lifesaver. When you try to set up WhatsApp on a new device with your lost number, use the "Verify via Email" option if available. Alternatively, if you have access to SMS on another phone (perhaps through a friend or family member), you might receive a verification code there.
- Check Your Google Drive Backup: If you had backed up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive before losing access to your account, restoring from this backup can help. When setting up WhatsApp on a new device with the same number, it will prompt you to restore messages from Google Drive if available.
- Use the Change Number Feature: If you have regained access to your phone number but need to change it in WhatsApp, use the "Change Number" feature within the app settings. This allows you to switch your account to a new number while retaining all your chat history and contacts.
- Avoid Creating a New Account: It's important not to create a new WhatsApp account with the same phone number, as this can complicate the recovery process. Stick with trying to recover your existing account through the support channels mentioned above.
By following these steps and providing all necessary information, you increase your chances of successfully restoring access to your WhatsApp account. Always remember that maintaining up-to-date contact information and regularly backing up your data can help prevent such issues in the future.