How to restore an old WhatsApp account to a new number?

How to restore an old WhatsApp account to a new number - briefly?

Restoring an old WhatsApp account to a new number involves several steps. First, backup your existing chat history on the old device or phone number. Then, install WhatsApp on your new device and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from the backup.

How to restore an old WhatsApp account to a new number - in detail?

Restoring an old WhatsApp account to a new number can be a complex process, but with the right steps, it is achievable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:

1. Backup Your Chat History:

   Before you begin, make sure that your chat history is backed up. WhatsApp automatically backs up data daily at 2 AM local time. However, you can manually back up your chats by going to Settings > Chats > Backup. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important messages or media files during the transfer process.

2. Unlink Your Old Number:

   If you still have access to your old number, it's crucial to unlink it from WhatsApp before proceeding. To do this:

   • Open WhatsApp on your old phone.
   • Go to Settings > Account.
   • Tap on the option that says "Delete my account" (note that this will delete all your chat history and media).
   • Enter your phone number and tap "Delete my account".

3. Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp:

   If you no longer have access to your old number, you can change your number within the app:

   • Open WhatsApp on your current device.
   • Go to Settings > Account > Change number.
   • Enter your old phone number and new phone number when prompted.
   • Confirm the change by tapping "Next".

4. Verify Your New Number:

   After changing your number, you will need to verify it:

   • WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number via SMS or call.
   • Enter this code into WhatsApp when prompted.

5. Restore Your Chat History:

   Once your new number is verified, you can restore your chat history from the backup:

   • When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore your chat history from the Google Drive or iCloud backup (depending on your operating system).
   • Wait for the restoration process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of your backup.

6. Update Your Contacts:

   After restoring your chat history, update your contacts with your new phone number:

   • Go to Settings > Profile.
   • Tap on your name or profile picture at the top.
   • Enter your new phone number and tap "Save".

7. Inform Your Contacts:

   Finally, inform your contacts about your new phone number so they can update their contact lists accordingly. This ensures that you continue to receive messages and calls from them without any interruption.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully restore your old WhatsApp account to a new number while preserving your chat history and contacts.