How to restore WhatsApp if you lost your number - briefly?
If you've lost access to your old phone number and want to restore your WhatsApp account on a new device, you can do so by verifying the new number through the app. Once verified, WhatsApp will automatically transfer your chat history from the old number to the new one.
How to restore WhatsApp if you lost your number - in detail?
If you've lost access to the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, there are still ways to restore your data and continue using the service. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do that:
- Save Your Chat History: Before making any changes, ensure you save your chat history. You can back up your chats manually by going to
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. This will create a backup file on your device's local storage or cloud storage if you have linked it with Google Drive or iCloud. - Change Your Phone Number: If you have a new phone number, you can change the number associated with your WhatsApp account. Go to
Settings > Account > Change Number. Follow the prompts to enter both your old and new phone numbers. WhatsApp will notify all of your contacts about the change. - Verify Your New Phone Number: Once you've changed your phone number, WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number. Enter this code when prompted to verify your account.
- Restore from Backup: After verifying your new phone number, you can restore your chat history from the backup you created earlier. When you set up WhatsApp with your new number, it will automatically detect the backup and ask if you want to restore it. Choose
Restoreto get all your previous chats back. - Use WhatsApp Web or Desktop: If you don’t have access to a mobile device but still need to use WhatsApp, consider using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app. You can scan the QR code from another device to link your account temporarily. Note that this method requires an active internet connection and may not be suitable for long-term use.
- Contact WhatsApp Support: If you’re having trouble restoring your account or if your situation is unique, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support. They can provide more personalized assistance and help you regain access to your account.
- Ensure Two-Step Verification: To enhance the security of your WhatsApp account in the future, enable two-step verification. Go to
Settings > Account > Two-step verificationand follow the prompts to set it up. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your WhatsApp account even if you've lost access to your original phone number. Always remember to keep your chat history backed up regularly to avoid any data loss in the future.