How to switch to a new number on WhatsApp?

How to switch to a new number on WhatsApp - briefly?

To switch to a new number on WhatsApp, you need to change your phone number in the app's settings. This process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.

How to switch to a new number on WhatsApp - in detail?

Switching your phone number on WhatsApp can be necessary for various reasons, such as getting a new SIM card or changing your mobile service provider. This process involves several steps to ensure that all your data and conversations are transferred smoothly to the new number. Here is a detailed guide on how to switch to a new number on WhatsApp:

  1. Backup Your Chat History: Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your chat history. This ensures that you don’t lose any important messages or data during the transition.

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu.
    • Navigate to "Chats" and then select "Chat Backup".
    • Tap on "Backup" to save your chat history to Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users).
  2. Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp Settings: Once you have backed up your data, you can proceed with changing your phone number within the app.

    • Go back to the "Settings" menu and select "Account".
    • Tap on "Change Number". You will see a screen that explains how the process works and what will happen to your account.
  3. Enter Your Old and New Phone Numbers: WhatsApp will prompt you to enter both your old phone number (the one currently registered) and your new phone number.

    • In the field for the old phone number, enter the international dialing code followed by your old number (e.g., +1234567890).
    • In the field for the new phone number, enter the international dialing code followed by your new number (e.g., +1234567891).
  4. Verify Your New Number: After entering both numbers, WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number via SMS or call.

  5. Update Your Contacts: Once your number has been changed, it's a good idea to inform your contacts about your new phone number. This ensures that they can continue to reach you without any issues.

    • You can send a broadcast message to all your contacts at once, notifying them of the change.
  6. Restore Your Chat History (if necessary): If you need to restore your chat history from the backup you created earlier, follow these steps:

    • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
    • Open WhatsApp and verify your new phone number again.
    • When prompted, tap "Restore" to retrieve your chat history from the Google Drive or iCloud backup.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully switch to a new number on WhatsApp while ensuring that all your data and conversations are transferred smoothly.