How to transfer WhatsApp messages to a new number?

How to transfer WhatsApp messages to a new number - briefly?

To transfer WhatsApp messages to a new number, first back up your chat history on the old phone. Then, install and set up WhatsApp on the new device using the same phone number as before. During setup, you'll be prompted to restore from the backup created earlier.

How to transfer WhatsApp messages to a new number - in detail?

Transferring WhatsApp messages to a new number is a common requirement for users who switch phone numbers but want to retain their chat history. Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide a direct feature to transfer messages from one number to another. However, there are workarounds that can help you achieve this goal. Below are the detailed steps to transfer WhatsApp messages to a new number:

Backup and Restore Method

  1. Backup Your Chats on the Old Number:

    • Open WhatsApp on your old phone number.
    • Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Tap on Back Up to create a backup of your chats. This will save your messages, photos, and videos to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device.
  2. Uninstall WhatsApp:

    • After the backup is complete, uninstall WhatsApp from your old phone number.
  3. Change Your Phone Number in WhatsApp Settings:

    • Reinstall WhatsApp on your old phone number.
    • During the setup process, when prompted to enter your phone number, tap on Skip or Not Now.
    • Go to Settings > Account and tap on Change Number.
    • Enter your new phone number and follow the prompts to verify it. WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number.
  4. Restore Chats on the New Number:

    • After verifying your new phone number, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your chats from the backup.
    • Tap on Restore and wait for the process to complete. Your chat history should now be available on your new phone number.

Export Chat Method

  1. Export Individual Chats:

    • Open WhatsApp on your old phone number.
    • Go to the chat you want to transfer.
    • Tap on More (three vertical dots) at the top right corner of the screen.
    • Select More > Export Chat.
    • Choose whether to include media or not, and select the app where you want to send the chat (e.g., Email, Google Drive).
  2. Import Exported Chat on New Number:

    • On your new phone number, go to the email or cloud storage service where you sent the exported chat.
    • Download the exported chat file.
    • Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to set up your account with the new phone number.
    • Once set up, you can import the exported chat by tapping on More > Import.

Notes and Limitations

  • Backup Frequency: Regularly back up your chats to ensure you have the most recent messages available for transfer.
  • Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on your device or cloud service for the backup files.
  • Compatibility: The exported chat method may not work perfectly if there are significant changes in WhatsApp's format over time.
  • Third-Party Apps: Be cautious with third-party apps claiming to transfer WhatsApp data, as they may pose security risks.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully transfer your WhatsApp messages to a new number and maintain your chat history seamlessly.