How to restore WhatsApp if the number is lost?

How to restore WhatsApp if the number is lost - briefly?

If you've lost access to your WhatsApp-registered phone number, restoring your account can be challenging but not impossible. The most effective method is to contact WhatsApp support directly and provide them with the necessary details, such as your registered email address or any recent backup information.

How to restore WhatsApp if the number is lost - in detail?

Restoring WhatsApp when you've lost your phone number can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. Here are the detailed steps to guide you through the process:

  1. Backup Your Data: Before changing or losing your number, ensure that you have backed up your WhatsApp data. This can be done by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup on your device. WhatsApp will back up your chats and media to your Google Drive or iCloud account, depending on the platform you're using.
  2. Change Your Number in WhatsApp: If you have already lost access to your old number, you can still change your number within the app. Here’s how:

  3. Restore from Backup: After successfully changing your number, you can restore your WhatsApp data from the backup:

    • When prompted during the setup process, tap on 'Restore' when you see the option to restore your chat history.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.
  4. Verify Your New Number: During the number change process, WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number. Ensure that you have access to this new number and can receive SMS or calls for verification purposes.
  5. Transfer Data Between Devices: If you're switching to a new device with the same operating system (e.g., from an old Android phone to a new Android phone), you can use WhatsApp's built-in feature to transfer your chat history:

    • On your old device, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Move Chats to Android.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Note that this method requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  6. Contact WhatsApp Support: If you encounter any issues during the restoration process, don’t hesitate to reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help troubleshoot any problems you might face.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore your WhatsApp data even if you've lost access to your old phone number. Always remember to keep your data backed up regularly to avoid such complications in the future.