If I change my WhatsApp number, will the messages remain - briefly?
When you change your WhatsApp number, your message history does not transfer to the new number. However, you can export your chat history before making the switch.
If I change my WhatsApp number, will the messages remain - in detail?
If you change your WhatsApp number, the outcome regarding your messages depends on several factors and can be detailed as follows:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that when you change your phone number, WhatsApp treats this as a new account. This means that your message history will not automatically transfer to the new number. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your messages are not lost forever.
Before changing your number, it is highly recommended to back up your chat history. WhatsApp provides an option to create a backup of your chats, which includes messages and media. You can do this manually or set it to automatically back up to iCloud (for iOS users) or Google Drive (for Android users). This backup will be associated with your new phone number once you switch.
To restore your chat history on the new number, simply verify your new number on WhatsApp and follow the prompts to restore from the backup. This process will transfer all your previous messages to your new account. However, it is important to note that this only works if you have a recent backup available. If you do not back up your chats before changing your number, you will lose access to your message history.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that group chats are treated differently. If you are part of a group chat and change your number, the group members will still see your old number in the group info until someone manually updates your contact information within the group. However, your messages sent from the new number will appear as usual within the group.
In summary, changing your WhatsApp number does not automatically preserve your message history. To ensure that your messages remain accessible, it is essential to back up your chats before making the switch. By doing so, you can restore your chat history on your new account and continue where you left off.