How to save chats in WhatsApp when changing your number - briefly?
To preserve your WhatsApp chat history when switching phone numbers, use the "Change Number" feature within the app. This process will migrate your chats and media to the new number while informing your contacts about the change.
How to save chats in WhatsApp when changing your number - in detail?
When changing your phone number on WhatsApp, preserving your chat history is a critical concern for many users. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides several methods to ensure that you do not lose your conversations during this transition.
Firstly, it's essential to understand the difference between changing your number within the same device and moving your account to a new device with a different number. For both scenarios, WhatsApp offers detailed guidance to help you through the process seamlessly.
Changing Your Number on the Same Device
- Backup Your Chats: Before proceeding, it's crucial to back up your chats. Go to
WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. This will save all your conversations to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iPhone users). - Update Your Phone Number: Once the backup is complete, go to
Settings > Account > Change number. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter both your old and new phone numbers. WhatsApp will verify your new number via SMS or call. - Restore Chats: After verifying your new number, you can restore your chat history from the backup created earlier. Simply go through the setup process as if you were setting up a new device and choose to restore from the backup when prompted.
Moving Your Account to a New Device with a Different Number
- Backup Your Chats: Similar to the previous method, ensure that all your chats are backed up before making any changes. This step is crucial as it safeguards your conversation history.
- Unlink Your Old Number: On your old device, go to
Settings > Account > Change number. Here, you will enter your new phone number and follow the verification process through SMS or call. - Set Up WhatsApp on the New Device: Install WhatsApp on your new device and follow the setup instructions. When prompted to verify your number, use the new phone number.
- Restore Your Chats: During the setup process on your new device, you will be given the option to restore chats from a backup. Choose this option and select the backup file that corresponds with your old number.
Important Considerations
- Backup Frequency: Regularly back up your chats to avoid any data loss, regardless of whether you are changing your phone number or not.
- Storage Limits: Be mindful of the storage limits on Google Drive and iCloud. Ensure that you have sufficient space for your WhatsApp backup files.
- Data Transfer: When moving to a new device, make sure both devices are connected to a stable internet connection during the backup and restore processes.
By following these detailed steps, users can successfully save their WhatsApp chats when changing their phone number, ensuring that all conversations are preserved without any disruption in communication.