What will happen if you change the phone number in WhatsApp - briefly?
If you change your phone number in WhatsApp, all messages and calls will be transferred to the new number. However, your old number will no longer receive these communications.
What will happen if you change the phone number in WhatsApp - in detail?
Changing your phone number in WhatsApp is a straightforward process, but it comes with several implications that users should be aware of. Here’s a detailed look at what happens when you initiate this change:
Firstly, your new phone number will replace the old one within the app. This means that all your contacts will see your new number instead of the previous one. Your account settings, groups, and message history will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in your communication. However, it’s important to note that your old phone number will no longer be associated with your WhatsApp account once the change is complete.
Secondly, there might be a temporary loss of access to your account if the verification process encounters any issues. For instance, if the new SIM card is not properly activated or if there are network problems, you may experience a delay in regaining full access to your WhatsApp account. It’s crucial to ensure that the new number is active and can receive SMS or calls for successful verification.
Thirdly, all your existing chats and media will be transferred to the new phone number. This includes messages, photos, videos, and documents. However, if you have any pending messages that haven’t been delivered yet, they might get lost during the transition. Therefore, it is advisable to notify important contacts about the change in advance to avoid any miscommunication or loss of critical information.
Fourthly, your WhatsApp profile and settings will remain intact. This includes your profile picture, status updates, privacy settings, and two-step verification if you have enabled it. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to review these settings after the change to ensure everything is as you expect.
Lastly, changing your phone number in WhatsApp does not affect your contacts' ability to communicate with you. They will simply need to update their contact lists with your new number. To facilitate this process, WhatsApp offers an option to notify specific contacts or groups about the change. This feature can help smooth the transition and minimize disruptions in communication.
In summary, changing your phone number in WhatsApp is a seamless process that preserves most of your account data. However, it is essential to be prepared for potential temporary issues during verification and to inform important contacts about the change in advance.