WhatsApp allows users to change phone numbers associated with their
WhatsApp account
. While a majority of people usually do not change them, there may be times when it is necessary, for example, when you are moving to another country.
WhatsApp change phone number feature
When you change your phone number, WhatsApp will transfer the account information, including profile photo, name, about, individual chats, group chats, and settings from your old phone number to your new phone number.
It will also delete the WhatsApp account associated with the old phone number, so the contacts are able to see the new phone number in their WhatsApp contacts lists.
Users will have an option to choose whether they want their contacts to be notified about the phone number change. The group chats will be notified when a user changes phone number regardless of whether they choose to notify the contacts.
If you change your phone number and continue using the same phone for the new phone number, your chat history will continue to be available on your phone.
How to change a phone number on WhatsApp
Before changing the number, the user must ensure:
- The new phone number can receive SMS texts or phone calls.
- It is currently registered on WhatsApp by going to More options > Settings > your profile photo.
- Make sure you’re using a supported phone number.
Change phone number on the same phone
- To change your phone number using the same phone, first insert the SIM card with the new phone number.
- Tap more options > Settings > Account > Change number > Next.
- Enter your old phone number in the first field and your new phone number in the second field. Enter both in full international format.
- Tap Next.
- If you turn on Notify contacts, you can choose if you want to notify All contacts, Contacts I have chats with, or Custom.... With Custom..., you'll need to search for or select the contacts you want to notify, then tap the check mark.
- Tap Done.
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