What happens to WhatsApp when you change your number - briefly?
When you change your phone number, your WhatsApp account remains linked to the old number for a short period, typically up to 45 days. During this time, your contacts can still communicate with you using your old number on WhatsApp. After 45 days, if you haven't logged in or verified your new number, your WhatsApp account will be deleted.
What happens to WhatsApp when you change your number - in detail?
When you change your phone number, several changes occur within your WhatsApp account. Firstly, your contacts will no longer be able to reach you using the old number. They will need to update their contact lists with your new phone number in order to continue communicating with you on WhatsApp. Additionally, any groups that were created or managed under the old number will need to be recreated or transferred to a new administrator, as your administrative privileges are tied to the old number.
Moreover, all of your previous chat history associated with the old phone number will remain intact and accessible only on your device. This means that while you can view and export these chats, others cannot see them unless they have access to your phone. It is important to note that if someone tries to contact you using your old number, WhatsApp will not automatically redirect their messages to your new number. They will need to update their contacts with your new number to continue the conversation.
In summary, changing your phone number on WhatsApp involves updating your contacts list, recreating or transferring group administrator privileges, and ensuring that your chat history remains accessible only on your device. It is crucial to inform your contacts about the change to avoid any disruptions in communication.