Changing a SIM card or the desire to separate personal and work space often leads users to the need to change the linked number in the messenger. Unlike some other applications, Viber allows you to do this without completely reinstalling and deleting the chat history. However, the process requires care, since incorrect actions can lead to loss of access to chats or contacts.
The procedure for changing an account in the system Android technically represents changing the user ID within the application, and not creating a new profile from scratch. This is critical for saving media files and privacy settings. Below we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, pitfalls and nuances that even experienced smartphone users often forget about.
Preparing the device for changing the number
Before you start changing your account, you need to make sure that the new SIM card is active and capable of receiving SMS messages or calls. It is through them that the system will verify the new account owner. If you are using a dual-SIM smartphone, make sure that the slot for the new card works correctly and has a network signal.
It is also extremely important to create backup data before starting the procedure. Although the built-in number change function saves history, having a safety backup in the Google Drive cloud or locally on the device will never be superfluous. This ensures that in the event of a network failure or server error, you will not lose important conversations.
- 📱 Make sure that the new SIM card is inserted into the smartphone and is visible in the system settings.
- ☁️ Check the free space in your Google Drive account to create a fresh copy chats.
- 🔋 Charge the device to at least 50% so that the process is not interrupted due to low battery.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to transfer your account to a completely different phone, and not just change the SIM card in the current device, the procedure will be different. In this case, first restore the backup copy on a new gadget with the old number, and only then change the number in the settings.
Step-by-step guide for changing the number
The main process of changing data occurs directly inside the application interface. Open Viber and go to the “More” menu (three dots in the lower right corner) or “Settings”, depending on the interface version. Here you will need to find the section responsible for the account.
Click on the item Account or Account. In the menu that opens, you will see your current phone number and the “Change number” button. Clicking on it will launch a data change wizard that will guide you through all the necessary steps. The system will warn you that your contacts will be notified about the number change if you do not disable this option.
☑️ Checklist before changing the number
After entering the new number, you will receive a code confirmation. Enter it in the appropriate field. If the code does not arrive automatically, request a resend or select the call option. After successful verification, your profile will be updated, and all chats will remain in place, but will be linked to the new identifier.
Saving the history of correspondence and media files
One of the main fears of users is the loss of communication history. When using the standard function of changing the number within the application correspondence history is saved automatically. You don't need to manually export chats or forward them to yourself. All media files, voice messages and stickers remain in the same form.
However, it is worth considering the difference between changing the number on the same device and transferring it to a new phone. If you change the device, then before changing the number, be sure to make a full one backup through the Viber settings. Transferring data between different operating systems (for example, from iOS to Android) when changing a number may not work correctly without using special migration tools.
| Action | Saving chats | Saving media | Notification of contacts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change number in the application | Yes, automatically | Yes, completely | Optional (tick) |
| Deletion and new registration | No, everything is deleted | No, a backup is required | No, you are a new user |
| Transfer to a new phone | Only via backup | Only via backup | Depends on the method |
What happens to stickers and purchases?
When you change the number within one account, all purchased sticker packs and themes are saved, since they are tied to the device ID and Viber ID account, and not just to the phone number. However, if you create a new account from scratch, you will have to make purchases again.
Privacy settings after the change
After you have changed your number, it is worth rechecking your privacy settings. Sometimes, when updating data, some parameters may be reset to default values. Go to the section Privacy and make sure that hiding the “Online” status, last seen time and profile photo are configured as convenient for you.
Pay attention to the item “Who can see my number”. If you want the new number to be visible only to saved contacts, set the appropriate restriction. This is especially true if you change your number to a work or temporary one, which you do not want to show in front of all participants in group chats.
- 👁️ Check the “Hide last seen time” setting so that colleagues do not see when you were online.
- 📸 Make sure that the profile photo is displayed correctly and has not been reset to the standard avatar.
- 🚫 Check the blacklist: sometimes during migration, data about blocked users may require updating.
⚠️ Attention: The Viber application interface is regularly updated by the developers. The location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your smartphone and the version of the messenger itself. If you do not find the “Change number” item, update the application via Google Play.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
In the process of changing an account, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. The most common problem is the inability to receive a verification code. This is often due to the fact that the number is blocked by the operator or spam filters are turned on, which take a short SMS from the service as advertising junk.
Another common situation is the “Invalid number” error or freezing at the verification stage. In this case, try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa. An unstable connection may interrupt the communication session with the authentication server. Also make sure that you enter the number in international format, starting with a plus and the country code.
If the verification code does not arrive for more than 5 minutes, do not request it again every 10 seconds. The system may temporarily block SMS sending due to suspicious activity. Wait 15-20 minutes before trying again.
If the application crashes immediately after entering a new number, try clearing the application cache through the Android settings. To do this, go to Phone settings → Applications → Viber → Storage → Clear cache. Do not confuse this with clearing data, which will delete all your correspondence!
The difference between changing a number and creating a new account
It is important to clearly understand the difference between the procedure number change and full registration of a new user. When you use the "Change number" function, you continue to use the same Viber ID. Your contacts see you in lists, you remain in all group chats, and your conversation history is saved.
If you simply uninstall the application and install it again, entering a new number when setting up for the first time, you will create completely new profile. In this case, the correspondence history will be empty, contacts will not be loaded automatically (if you do not synchronize the phone book), and in group chats you will be displayed as a new participant with a new name.
The choice of method depends solely on your goals. If you need to preserve the context of communication, change the number in the settings. If you need to start communicating from scratch and hide your past activity from certain people, register a new account.
Using the built-in number change function is the only way to save your correspondence history and group membership without losing data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my contacts know that I changed my number?
By default, Viber sends a system notification to personal chats that you have changed your number. However, during the change process, a “Notify contacts” checkbox appears, which can be unchecked. If you remove it, your contacts will not receive an automatic message, but will see the new number if they go to your profile information.
Is it possible to change the number if I do not have access to the old SIM card?
Yes, it is possible. To change the number within the application, access to the old SIM card is not required, since you are already authorized in the system. You only need access to new SIM card, which will receive a confirmation code for linking.
What will happen to my stickers and theme?
All purchased sticker packs, themes and design settings will be saved. They are tied to your unique Viber identifier, which remains unchanged during the procedure of changing the number through the app settings.
Is it possible to change the number to the number of another person?
Technically, the application will allow you to enter any valid number to which you can receive an SMS. However, if this number is already registered in Viber by another person, the system will ask you to confirm that you really are the owner of this number. This may lead to an account conflict.
Will my Business Account status be reset when I change my number?
The business account status is tied to the phone number. If you change your number to a regular user number, your profile may lose business verification. To restore the status, you will need to re-verify the company for a new number through the Viber for business support service.