How to save a WhatsApp account when changing your phone number?

How to save a WhatsApp account when changing your phone number - briefly?

To preserve your WhatsApp account when switching phone numbers, follow these steps: Back up your chat history using the app's built-in backup feature before deactivating your old number. Then, install WhatsApp on your new device and restore the backup during setup.

How to save a WhatsApp account when changing your phone number - in detail?

Changing your phone number can be a significant event, but it doesn't have to disrupt your communication on WhatsApp. To ensure a seamless transition and preserve your WhatsApp account, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, it is crucial to back up your WhatsApp data. This will safeguard all your chats, media, and settings. On Android, you can back up your data to Google Drive, while on iOS, you can use iCloud. To do this:

    • Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Choose your preferred backup option (Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iOS) and follow the prompts.
  2. Change Your Phone Number: Once your data is backed up, you can proceed with changing your phone number. This process varies depending on your mobile service provider. Ensure that the new number is active and available for use.
  3. Update WhatsApp with New Number: After activating your new phone number, update it in your WhatsApp account. Here’s how:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Go to Settings > Account.
    • Tap on Change Number.
    • Enter your old phone number in the top field and your new phone number in the bottom field. Confirm the change by tapping Next.
  4. Verify Your New Number: WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number. Enter this code when prompted to verify your new number. This step is essential to link your account to the new phone number successfully.
  5. Restore Backup (If Necessary): If you have switched to a new device, you can restore your WhatsApp data from the backup created earlier. To do this:

    • Install and open WhatsApp on your new device.
    • Follow the prompts to set up your account.
    • When prompted, tap Restore to retrieve your chat history, media, and settings from your backup.
  6. Inform Contacts: Although your contacts will still be able to reach you through WhatsApp, it’s a good idea to inform them about the change in your phone number. This ensures that they have the most up-to-date information for future communications.

By following these steps, you can successfully save your WhatsApp account when changing your phone number, ensuring that you don't lose any important data or disrupt your communication with contacts.