Changing a SIM card or switching to a new phone number often becomes stressful for messenger users, as there is a fear of losing the entire accumulated history of correspondence, important documents and contacts. Many smartphone owners mistakenly believe that to use WhatsApp on a new SIM card, you need to create a new account from scratch, thereby losing all data. Fortunately, the developers have provided a standard mechanism for changing numbers, which allows you to save all chats, media files and group settings by simply linking them to a new SIM card.
The process of transferring data on Android devices is as automated as possible, but requires care and completion of all steps in strict sequence. Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that your new number is active, an incoming call or SMS has been received, and that your smartphone is connected to a stable network Wi-Fi. It is important to understand that the old number will be deactivated in the application, and a new one will take its place, so preliminary preparation is critical to the successful completion of the operation.
In this article, we will analyze in detail each stage of the procedure, consider common errors and answer frequently asked questions so that you can switch to a new number without losing a single message. We will discuss the nuances of working with backup copies, features of transferring to a new phone, and methods for solving problems with number verification. The key point is that changing the number within the application differs from simply transferring a backup copy, since it changes the account identifier in the server database.
Preparing to change the number: important nuances
Before proceeding with technical actions, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory measures that will ensure the safety of your data. The most important step is to create a fresh backup all chats on Google Drive or in the local memory of the device. This action will create a restore point in case the process of changing the number fails and you need to roll back the changes.
Make sure that the new SIM card is installed in the smartphone on which the change will be made, and you can freely receive SMS messages or calls for verification. If you change your phone at the same time as your number, first install the application on the new device, but do not enter the new number yet, but follow the instructions for transferring data.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the WhatsApp application from the old device until the procedure is completely completed on the new phone and all functions are checked. Deleting the application before the end can lead to automatic deactivation of your account on the server.
Also check the amount of free space on your Google Driveas the backup copy can take up a significant amount of space, especially if you actively share photos and videos. Lack of space can interrupt the backup creation process, which will jeopardize the safety of your correspondence history.
For clarity, let's look at the main preparation points in the form of a list:
- 📱 Make sure that the new SIM card is active and inserted into the smartphone.
- ☁️ Check the free space on Google Drive for a backup.
- 🔋 Charge your device to at least 50% or connect to a charger.
- 📶 Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network to transfer large amounts of data.
Step-by-step guide for changing your number inside the application
The main method of transferring data is carried out directly through the settings of the messenger itself, which is the most secure and official way. You do not need to resort to third-party apps or complex file manipulations, just follow the algorithm built in by the developers WhatsApp.
Open the application and go to the settings menu by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Settings, and then go to the Accountsection. This is where the function is located that allows you to change the linked phone number without losing history.
☑️ Checklist for changing the number
Select option in the menu that opens Change number. The system will warn you that your account will be transferred from the old number to the new one, and all your groups will be automatically updated. Click Next and enter the phone number in international format first in the “Current number” field and then in the “New number” field.
After entering the data, click Done or Next. If you want to notify your contacts that you have changed your number, you will be prompted to do so. You can choose to notify all contacts, only those you have open chats with, or not notify anyone. After confirmation, the system will send SMS code to a new number for verification.
Enter the received code in the appropriate field. After successful verification, your account will be completely transferred, and you will be able to use the messenger from the new number, having access to all old correspondence.
Transferring WhatsApp to a new phone with a new number
The situation when the user changes both the device and the phone number at the same time requires a combined approach. In this case, you first need to deploy the backup on a new device using the old number, and then follow the procedure for changing the number described above.
Install WhatsApp on the new smartphone and run it. When registering, enter your old number phone (even if the SIM card is no longer in the phone, the main thing is that you can receive a verification code on your old device or know that the account is temporarily available). Wait for the SMS or call to confirm.
After confirming the number, the application will offer to restore the chat history from the backup copy Google Drive. Agree to the restoration and wait for the process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of the archive and the speed of your Internet connection.
⚠️ Attention: If you immediately enter a new number when you first install the application on a new phone, your chat history will not be restored, since the backup copy is tied to the old number. First, restore the data, then change the number in the settings.
Once all chats appear in the list, go to the section Settings → Account → Change number. Perform the change procedure by entering the old number as the current number and the new one as the target number. After this, your new phone will be fully configured with a new number and the entire correspondence history.
What to do if the old number is no longer available?
If you cannot receive an SMS to your old number, try using the call verification method. If this is not possible, restoring a backup copy linked to the old number may become impossible without access to the Google account on which it is stored. In such difficult cases, it is better to first restore access to your Google account and the old number (if the SIM card is lost, restore it in the operator’s salon).
Working with groups and contact notifications
One of the most useful functions when changing a number is the automatic updating of information in groups. When you change your number through the app settings, WhatsApp automatically informs the administrators of the groups in which you are a member that your number has changed. Your profile in the group is updated, and you are not kicked out of chats.
Group members who do not yet have your new number in their phone book will see your number instead of their name until they save the new contact. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to send a message about the change of number to close contacts and colleagues in advance.
The application offers three options for notifying contacts:
- 📢 All contacts: all people in your phone book will receive the notification.
- 💬 Contacts with open chats: only those with whom you are with will receive the notification corresponded.
- 🚫 Do not notify: you will independently inform about the change of number in personal conversations.
The choice of notification option depends on your situation. If you changed your number for personal reasons and do not want to advertise it to a wide circle of people, choose the last option. If this is a corporate change, notifying all contacts will be the most correct solution.
| Action | Old number | New number | Correspondence history |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple reinstallation | Deactivated | Activated | Lost |
| Change through settings | Deactivated | Activated | Saving |
| Login without backup | Active | Active | Empty |
| Cloning (unofficial) | Active | Active | Copied |
Save important media files separately before changing your number. Despite the reliability of the procedure, having a physical copy of important documents and photos on your computer or external drive will never be an unnecessary precaution.
Solving problems and errors during transfer
During the process of changing a number, users may encounter various technical difficulties. One of the common problems is the inability to receive SMS code confirmation for a new number. This may be due to a poor network signal, blocking of short numbers by the operator or a full phone memory.
If the SMS does not arrive, try selecting the “Call me” option. The automated robot will dictate the code by voice, which often helps circumvent text message delivery problems. Also make sure that the current version of the application from the official store is installed on your device. Google Play.
Another common error is a message that the number is already registered. This means that the new number already has an account WhatsApp. In this case, the system will offer to merge data or delete the existing account on the new number to make room for the transfer.
⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication (two-step verification), you will definitely need the PIN code that you set previously. Without this code, it will be impossible to restore access to your account on a new device or after changing your number for 7 days.
If errors occur when restoring a backup copy, check whether Google account you are logged in to the phone on which the backup is stored. Often, users have several mailboxes, and the backup copy may not be on the one selected by default.
Successful number change is possible only if you have access to both numbers (the old one for logging out and the new one for logging in) or if you have an up-to-date backup copy and two-factor protection codes.
Account security after changing the number
After successfully transferring data to a new number, it is extremely important to ensure the proper level of security for your account. Changing your number is an ideal time to check your privacy settings and activate additional protection mechanisms.
First of all, enable two-factor authenticationif it is not already activated. This will add an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a PIN when attempting to register your number on any new device. Without this code, attackers will not be able to access your correspondence, even if they intercept your SIM card.
Check the privacy settings in the section Settings → Account → Privacy. Make sure your visit time, profile photo, and "Been" status are only visible to those you want. After changing your number, new people may see your profile, so you should limit access to “Everyone.”
It is also recommended to check the list of associated devices. Go to the Linked devices section and make sure that there are no computers or browsers unknown to you. If you detect suspicious activity, immediately log out of all devices and change your two-factor authentication PIN.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my groups remain the same after changing the number?
Yes, all the groups you are a member of will be saved. You will remain a member of them, and the history of correspondence in groups will also be preserved. However, other group members will see a notification that you have changed your number if you selected the appropriate option when changing.
Will my contacts see my new number?
This depends on your notification settings when changing a number. If you selected "All Contacts" or "Contacts with Open Chats", they will receive a system notification. If you selected "Do not notify", they will only know about the change if you write to them or if they try to write to you at the old number (they will receive a notification about the change of the interlocutor's number).
Is it possible to change a number if the old one no longer works?
Officially, changing a number requires access to both numbers. However, if you have a current backup on Google Drive, you can try installing WhatsApp on a new device, enter the new number, and then select the backup made under the old number when restoring the history. But the standard “Change number” function requires confirmation of the old number.
What will happen to my paid stickers and business account?
Purchased stickers are linked to the account and should be saved if transferred correctly. For users WhatsApp Business the procedure is similar, but it is recommended to additionally check that your business profile (address, opening hours, directory) is displayed correctly after the change, since business verification may require re-confirmation.
Do you need to delete the old account manually?
No, when using the “Change number” function inside the application, The old account is automatically deactivated and replaced with a new one. Manual deletion is not required and is not even recommended so as not to disrupt the data synchronization process on the server.