How to transfer WhatsApp to another number while preserving the chat history - briefly?
To transfer WhatsApp to another number while preserving the chat history, first back up your chats on your current phone. Then, install WhatsApp on the new phone, verify the new number, and restore the backup when prompted.
How to transfer WhatsApp to another number while preserving the chat history - in detail?
Transferring your WhatsApp account from one phone number to another while preserving chat history is a common requirement, especially when you change your mobile service provider or country. The process involves backing up your chats and restoring them on the new number. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this:
Backup Your WhatsApp Chats
- Open WhatsApp: Ensure that your current phone is connected to the internet. Open the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Access Settings: Go to the menu by tapping on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen. Select “Settings” from the dropdown list.
- Navigate to Chats: In the Settings menu, tap on “Chats.” This section contains options related to your chat history and backups.
- Backup Option: Tap on “Chat Backup” to view the current backup status. If there is no recent backup available, you will need to create one.
- Create a Backup: Follow the on-screen instructions to back up your chats. The process includes selecting the Google Drive account where the backup will be stored and choosing the frequency of automatic backups (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Confirm Backup: Once the backup is complete, you can verify it by checking the date and time of the last backup in the Chat Backup section.
Change Your Phone Number
- Request a New Number: Contact your mobile service provider to request a new phone number if you haven’t already done so. Ensure that the new SIM card is activated and ready for use.
- Update WhatsApp with the New Number: Insert the new SIM card into your device and open WhatsApp. The app will detect the change in phone number and prompt you to verify the new number.
- Verify Your New Number: Follow the prompts to enter your new phone number and complete the verification process via SMS or call. This step is crucial as it links your WhatsApp account to the new number.
Restore Chats on the New Number
- Change Number in Settings: After verifying your new number, WhatsApp will prompt you with a message indicating that your contacts have been notified about the change. Tap “Next” to proceed.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, choose to restore your chat history from the Google Drive backup created earlier. This ensures that all your messages and media are transferred to the new number.
- Complete Restoration: Wait for the restoration process to complete. The time required depends on the size of the backup and the speed of your internet connection.
- Access Your Chats: Once the restoration is done, you can access your chat history as usual. All your messages, photos, videos, and other media will be available under the new phone number.
Additional Tips
- Ensure Internet Connectivity: Both backing up and restoring chats require a stable internet connection to complete successfully.
- Backup Frequency: Regularly back up your chats to avoid losing important data in case of any issues during the transfer process.
- Google Drive Account: Make sure you are signed into the correct Google account that was used for backing up your WhatsApp chats.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully transfer your WhatsApp account to a new phone number while preserving all your chat history.