WhatsApp remains the most popular messenger in the world, but sometimes users need unlink an account from an associated phone number —whether it’s changing a SIM card, selling a device, or wanting to use a different number. On Android, this procedure has nuances: from simply deleting an account to transferring data to a new number without losing correspondence history. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including official and workarounds, taking into account the latest updates to the messenger.

It is important to understand: WhatsApp by default does not allow unlink the number completely without deleting the account - this is a limitation of the service architecture. However, there are legal methods data transfer to another number or temporarily “freezing” the account. We will also look at how to avoid blocking when changing numbers frequently and what to do if access to the old number is lost.

WhatsApp uses the phone number as unique identifier user is the basis of his authentication system. Unlike Telegram or Viber, where you can create an account by email or nickname, here the number performs three key functions:

  • 🔑 Authorization: confirmation via SMS/call upon login.
  • 📱 Synchronization: linking to the device and cloud backup copying.
  • 🔄 Restoring: resuming access to chats when changing phone.

Therefore complete unlinking of a number without deleting the account is technically impossible —this is contrary to the WhatsApp security policy. However, there are workarounds:

⚠️ Attention: Frequent changes of numbers (more than 2-3 times a month) can lead to temporary blocking of the account. WhatsApp regards this as suspicious activity.
Action Consequences Is recovery possible?
Account deletion Total loss chats, leaving groups, deleting other users from contacts No, the data is deleted permanently
Changing the number in the settings Transfer history to a new number, saving groups and contacts Yes, if you have access to the old number
Deactivation without deletion The account becomes inactive, but the data is saved for 30 days Yes, if you re-activate on the same number
Using a virtual number Working WhatsApp without a SIM card, the risk of blocking detection Partially, if the number is not blocked

If your goal is simply release the number for another messenger or selling a SIM card, the optimal solution would be change the number in the settings with data transfer. If necessary completely delete the trace in WhatsAppyou will need to deactivate your account.

📊 Why do you need to unlink WhatsApp from the number?
Changing operator/SIM card
Selling a phone
Desire to use another messenger
Losing access to the number
Other

Method 1: Officially changing the number in WhatsApp (with saving chats)

This is the only legal method transferring your account to a new number without data loss. It works if you have access to old and new numbers at the same time (for example, two SIM cards in your phone or a second phone at hand).

Action algorithm:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to ⋮ → Settings → Account → Change number.
  2. Enter the old and new numbers (with country code). Click Next.
  3. Confirm the new number via SMS or call (the code will be sent to the new SIM card).
  4. Select whether you want notify contacts to change the number (optional).
  5. Wait for the data transfer to complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

Important details:

  • 📌 History of correspondence, groups and settings will be saved on the new number.
  • 🔄 If the new number has already been used in WhatsApp, the data from it will be deleted.
  • ⏳ The process cannot be interrupted - if you exit the application, you will have to start again.

☑️ Preparing to change your number

Completed: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: If you use WhatsApp Business, changing your number will result in you losing your "verified business" status. It will have to be restored again.

If you do not have physical access to the old SIM card, but the number is still active (for example, it is with the operator), you can ask a friend to insert it into your phone and confirm the code. However, WhatsApp can block an account if it notices suspicious activity (for example, changing a number from another device).

Method 2: Deleting an account with a complete unlinking of the number

If you need completely deleted WhatsApp from a linked number (for example, when selling a phone or switching to another messenger), use the account deletion function. This is an irreversible process: all chats, media files and settings will be deleted from the WhatsApp servers forever.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to ⋮ → Settings → Account → Delete my account.
  2. Enter your phone number in international format (for example, +79123456789).
  3. Indicate the reason for deletion (optional) and click Delete my account.
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog box.

What will happen after deletion:

  • 🗑️ You will be logged out all groups, but they will continue to exist for other participants.
  • 👥 Your profile will disappear from the contact lists of other users.
  • 🔒 Backup copies of chats in Google Drive (if any) will not be deleted —they must be erased separately.
  • ⏳ During The number will be blocked for re-registration on WhatsApp for 30 days.
💡

Before deleting your account, export important chats: open the dialog → ⋮ → Export chat. The file will be saved in the phone memory in .txt format.

If you deleted your account by mistake, you can restore it only within 30 daysby registering again on the same number. After this period, the number is released for new users.

Method 3: Deactivating the account without deleting (temporary unlinking)

WhatsApp automatically deactivates the accountif it is not used for more than 30 days. This does not delete the data, but makes the profile invisible to other users. This method is suitable if you temporarily do not use the number (for example, you went abroad) and want chats for the future.

How it works:

  • 📵 Remove WhatsApp from your phone without deleting your account (just uninstall the application).
  • ⏳ After 30 days without activity, the account will be deactivated.
  • 🔄 To restore access, install WhatsApp again and confirm the number.

Method limitations:

  • 📌 Chats will only be saved if you did backup copy before deleting the application.
  • 🔒 When deactivated, you will not receive messages - they will only be delivered after reactivation.
  • ⚠️ If someone tries to register your number on WhatsApp during deactivation, the account will be deleted.
What will happen with groups during deactivation?

Your profile will remain in groups, but other members will see the status “last seen: long ago.” Group admins will not be able to delete you while your account is deactivated.

This method is not suitable if you are selling a SIM card or phone - the new owner will be able to restore your account. For complete security, use deleting an account (Method 2).

Method 4: Using a virtual number (unofficial method)

If you need unlink WhatsApp from the main numberbut maintain access to messenger, you can use virtual numbers from services like Google Voice, TextNow or OnlineSIM. However, this method has risks:

  • 🚫 WhatsApp actively blocks virtual numbers, especially if they have already been used by other users.
  • 🔒 The account may be permanently banned.
  • 📵 Some functions (for example, calls) may not work.

If you still decide to try, follow the rules:

  1. Register a virtual number in the service (for example, Google Voice for the USA).
  2. Install WhatsApp on a new device or reset the settings of the current one.
  3. When registering, provide your virtual number and confirm the code.
  4. Transfer your chat backup (if you have one) via Google Drive.
⚠️ Attention: Virtual numbers are often used for spam, so WhatsApp treats them with suspicion. If the account is blocked, it will be impossible to restore it.

An alternative is to use a second physical number (for example, from another operator) followed by a change through the official procedure (Method 1). This is safer than virtual numbers.

Method 5: Transfer WhatsApp to a new phone without changing the number

If your goal is unlink WhatsApp from the old phonebut keep the same number on the new device, just transfer the account through backup. This method does not require changing the number and saves the entire history.

Instructions for Android:

  1. On the old phone, open WhatsApp and create a backup: 
    Settings → Chat → Backup copy → Create a copy

    Make sure a copy is saved in Google Drive.

  2. Install WhatsApp on the new phone and verify the same number.
  3. If prompted, restore chats from Google Drive.
  4. Wait for the restoration to complete (may take up to an hour depending on the amount of data).

Important nuances:

  • 📱 The new phone must be linked to the same Google accountas the old one.
  • 🔄 If on a new phone I already had WhatsApp with a different number, the data from it will be deleted.
  • 📌 The backup copy in Google Drive is stored only 1 year after the last update.
💡

If you are selling the old one phone, be sure to delete WhatsApp via “Settings → Account → Delete my account.” A simple reset to factory settings does not delete the messenger data!

If the backup is not restored, check:

  • 🔌 Stable Wi-Fi connection (restoring eats up a lot of traffic).
  • 📱 Is there enough space on the new phone (WhatsApp requires free space in your phone) 2-3 times the size of the copy).
  • 🔒 That you use the same Google account to which the copy is linked.

What to do if you don’t have access to the old number?

The situation when you have lost access to the linked number (for example, you have lost your SIM card or the operator has blocked it) is one one of the most difficult. WhatsApp does not provide official account recovery methods without a verification code. However, there are several options:

  1. Restore access to the number:
    • 📞 Contact the operator with a passport to restore the SIM card.
    • 📧 If the number is linked to an email, try restoring access through the operator's personal account.
  2. Use alternative confirmation methods:
    • 📩 WhatsApp sometimes offers confirmation by email (if the number was linked to a Google/Facebook account).
    • 📞 In rare cases, you can request a call with a code instead of an SMS.
  • Create a new account:
    • 🆕 If you restore access to number is impossible, register WhatsApp on a new number.
    • 🔄 Ask your friends to save important data from old chats and send them to you.
    ⚠️ Attention: Services that offer “hacking” or “bypassing WhatsApp confirmation” are fraudulent. Using such methods leads to the loss of your account and the risk of data theft.

    If the old number is still active, but you do not have physical access to the SIM card (for example, it is in another city), try:

    • 📱 Temporarily install WhatsApp on a friend’s phone and confirm the code from the old number.
    • 🔄 Quickly transfer your account to a new number via Settings → Account → Change number.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlinking WhatsApp from a number

    Is it possible to unlink WhatsApp from a number without deleting account?

    No, WhatsApp does not provide such a function. The only official way is change of number in the settings (if you have access to the new number) or deactivation account for 30 days. Complete unlinking is only possible through account deletion.

    What will happen to my groups if I change my number?

    You will remain in all groups, but other participants will see a notification about your number change. Your status in groups (administrator/member) is saved. However, if you were the only admin group, you will have to transfer it to another participant before changing the number.

    Is it possible to use one WhatsApp number on two phones?

    Officially - no. WhatsApp allows the use of one account only on one main device (with the ability to connect up to 4 additional devices via WhatsApp Web or accompanied devices). When you try to register a number on a second phone, the first one will automatically log out.

    How to delete a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive?

    To free up space or delete old data:

    1. Open Google Drive on your computer.
    2. In the search bar, enter WhatsApp.
    3. Select the backup folder and click Delete.
    4. Empty the Google Drive trash so that the files are permanently deleted.
    Attention: This will delete all WhatsApp backups linked to your Google account.

    Why WhatsApp asks for a confirmation code when changing a number?

    A confirmation code is needed to protect your account from unauthorized access. WhatsApp sends it to new numberto make sure you own it. If the code does not arrive:

    • Check whether the operator blocks SMS from short numbers.
    • Request the code to be resent (button Didn’t receive the code?).
    • Select the option Call me for voice confirmation.

    If the problem persists, contact WhatsApp support via Settings → Help → Contact us.