How to restore WhatsApp if you don't have access to the number?

How to restore WhatsApp if you don't have access to the number - briefly?

If you no longer have access to your phone number but need to restore your WhatsApp account, you can use WhatsApp Web or Desktop on a new device and link it to your existing account. This method allows you to continue using WhatsApp without needing to verify with the old number.

How to restore WhatsApp if you don't have access to the number - in detail?

Restoring WhatsApp when you no longer have access to your original phone number can be challenging but is not impossible. Here are the detailed steps you can follow:

1. Backup Your Data: Before changing your phone number, make sure to back up your WhatsApp data. You can do this by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. This will ensure that all your messages and media are saved.

2. Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp Settings: If you have already lost access to the number, it's crucial to change the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account. Here’s how:

   • Open WhatsApp on your device.
   • Go to Settings > Account.
   • Select Change Number.
   • Enter both your old and new phone numbers in the respective fields.
   • Confirm the change by tapping Next.
3. Verification via SMS: During this process, WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number via SMS. This step is essential to confirm that you have access to the new number.

4. Restore from Backup: Once the phone number change is complete, you can restore your chat history from the backup created earlier:

   • During the setup process, WhatsApp will automatically look for backups associated with your account.
   • If prompted, tap on Restore to retrieve your messages and media.

5. Two-Step Verification (Optional but Recommended): To enhance the security of your WhatsApp account, consider enabling two-step verification:

   • Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
   • Follow the prompts to set up a PIN and provide an email address for recovery.
6. Inform Contacts (Optional): If you have changed your phone number, it’s a good idea to inform your contacts about the change so they can update their records accordingly.

Following these steps will help you restore your WhatsApp account and maintain access to your messages even if you no longer have your original phone number.