How to restore WhatsApp if you don't have your phone number - briefly?
If you no longer have access to the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, restoring your data may be challenging. However, you can attempt to restore your chat history from a backup by using the same Wi-Fi network and device as previously used for WhatsApp.
How to restore WhatsApp if you don't have your phone number - in detail?
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to restore WhatsApp but do not have access to your original phone number, there are still several methods you can employ to regain access to your account. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Method 1: Using Google Drive Backup
WhatsApp offers an option to back up your chats to Google Drive. If you have previously enabled this feature, you can restore your WhatsApp data even without your original phone number. Follow these steps:
- Install WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp on your new device from the official app store.
- Verify New Number: During the setup process, enter the new phone number that you are currently using.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted to restore messages from a backup, select "Restore." This will retrieve your chat history and media from Google Drive.
- Complete Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. Your WhatsApp data should now be restored on the new device with the new phone number.
Method 2: Using Local Backup (for Android Users)
If you are an Android user and have created a local backup of your WhatsApp data, you can restore it even without access to your original phone number. Here’s how:
- Install WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp on your new device from the official app store.
- Verify New Number: Enter the new phone number during the setup process.
- Restore from Local Backup: When prompted to restore messages, select "Restore." This will retrieve your chat history and media from the local backup stored on your device.
- Complete Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. Your WhatsApp data should now be restored on the new device with the new phone number.
Method 3: Contacting WhatsApp Support
If you do not have a backup and need assistance from WhatsApp, you can contact their support team for help. Here’s how to proceed:
- Open WhatsApp: On your new device, open the WhatsApp app.
- Verify New Number: Enter the new phone number during the setup process.
- Contact Support: Once you have entered the new number and verified it, you will be prompted to contact support if you cannot verify your account with the original phone number. Follow the instructions provided by WhatsApp support to regain access to your account.
- Provide Details: Be prepared to provide WhatsApp support with details such as your registered email address, last seen status, or any other information that can help verify your identity and restore access to your account.
Important Notes:
- Regular Backups: To avoid losing your data in the future, make sure to enable regular backups of your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive or create local backups if you are an Android user.
- Security: Always ensure that your device is secure and that you have access to any recovery information associated with your account to prevent unauthorized access.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully restore your WhatsApp data even if you no longer have access to your original phone number.