Changing a SIM card or the desire to separate personal life from work contacts often leads users to the need to change the linked number in popular instant messengers. Unlike simply reinstalling the application, the procedure for changing a number in Viber requires following a certain algorithm of actions so as not to lose your correspondence history and important contacts. If you simply insert a new SIM card and try to log into your old account, the system may perceive this as a hacking attempt or registration of a new device.
The process of migrating to a new number on managed devices Android is built directly into the settings of the application itself, which greatly simplifies the task. You don't need to create a new profile from scratch or manually rewrite your contacts. However, there are important nuances regarding saving backup copies and confirming access rights to both numbers - old and new. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail so that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
Before proceeding with technical manipulations, make sure that your SIM card with the new number is active and inserted into the phone (or into another device if the smartphone supports only one SIM). It is also critical that you have physical access to the old SIM card to obtain a verification code in case the system requires additional verification before changing the data. Ignoring this step may lead to account blocking indefinitely.
Preparing the device and backing up data
The first and most important step before making any changes to your account configuration is to create a fresh backup. This is a kind of insurance: if the process of changing the number fails or you accidentally delete the chat, you can restore the data from the cloud. On Android Viber correspondence history is usually saved in Google Drive, but before starting the procedure you should check the autosave settings.
To create a backup, open the application and go to the More → Settings → Account → Viber backupsection. Press the button Start backup and wait for the process to complete. Please note that to successfully create a copy, the device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network, and there must be enough free space on the Google Drive disk.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not create a backup copy before changing your number, it will be impossible to restore your chat history on the new number. Old messages are tied to the account ID!unta, and if there is an error during the migration process, they may be lost forever.
It is also recommended to check whether the application is updated to the latest version. Developers are constantly making changes to the interface and security protocols, so in older versions Viber the path to the desired function may differ or not work correctly. Go to Google Play Market and make sure that the “Update” button next to the application open button is not lit.
☑️ Checklist before changing your number
Step-by-step guide: how to change the number in the application
Procedure for changing the number in Viber to Android is fully automated and takes only a few minutes. The main thing is to perform actions sequentially, without skipping confirmation steps. The system itself will transfer your profile, avatar and settings to the new number, notifying your contacts about the changes (unless you disable this option).
To begin, open the application and click on the menu icon (three stripes or the “More” button in the lower right corner). Select item Settings, then go to section Account. This is where the key function is located, which allows you to change the binding without losing data.
Click on the item Change phone number. The app will alert you that your contacts will be notified about the number change, and your chat history will be saved. Click the "Next" or "Continue" button. In the window that opens, you will be asked to enter the old number (it will be entered automatically) and the new phone number in international format.
- 📱 Make sure that the correct country code is selected in the "New number" field.
- 🔢 Enter the number without extra characters, only the numbers after the code operator.
- ✅ Check the data before clicking the “Done” button, as it will be more difficult to change it after sending.
After entering the data, the system will send an SMS confirmation code to your new SIM card. Enter this code in the appropriate field. If the SMS does not arrive, you can request a voice call. After successful verification, your account will be relinked, and you will remain in the same chats, but with a new number.
If you change the number and phone at the same time, first complete the procedure for changing the number on the old device, and only then log in with the new number on the new gadget.
Working with confirmation codes and two-factor authentication
One of the most difficult stages for users is passing verification, especially if it is enabled two-factor authentication (2FA). This is an additional level of protection that requires you to enter a PIN code that you created earlier, in addition to the SMS code. If you change your number but do not remember your PIN, it may take up to 7 days to regain access.
When entering a new number, the system may request a code sent to old number to confirm that it is the account owner who initiated the change. This is standard security procedure. Therefore, the presence of an old SIM card in the phone (even without the Internet, as long as it can catch the network for SMS) is a prerequisite for the successful completion of the operation.
| Code type | Where it comes | Validity period | What to do if you haven’t received |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS code | To a new SIM card | 10 minutes | Request resend or select a voice call |
| Confirmation code (old) | To the old SIM card | 5 minutes | Check the balance and network coverage of the old operator |
| PIN code (2FA) | Created by the user | Indefinite | Remember or wait 7 days to reset via email |
In rare cases, when the old SIM card has already been lost and the new one has not yet been activated in the Viber system, the process may take longer. If you cannot receive the code to your old number, try using the “Send code via Viber” option to another device where you are logged into this account (for example, a tablet or PC), if this option is available in the current version of the interface.
What to do if two-factor authentication blocked the login?
If you enabled 2FA and forgot your PIN code, and also do not have access to your recovery mail, the only option is to wait. Viber's security system will not allow you to reset your protection instantly. You will have to wait 7 days, after which you will be able to reset the protection without a code, but the correspondence history will be deleted for security purposes.
Saving the history of correspondence and media files
The issue of saving media files (photos, videos, voice messages) is separate from the text history. While text is stored in Google Drive cloud backup, media files may not be fully saved by default, especially if there were file size or file type restrictions in the settings. Before changing the number, it is recommended to manually check the folder Viber in your file manager. Android.
The path to media files usually looks like this: Internal memory → Android → media → com.viber.voip → ViberMedia. If you want to be 100% sure, copy important photos and documents to a separate folder or upload them to cloud storage (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk) before starting the number change procedure. This will take time, but guarantees the safety of valuable data.
After successfully changing the number and restoring from a backup, the application will begin loading media files again. This process can be lengthy and consume a lot of traffic, so it is best to carry it out in Wi-Fienvironment. If you notice that some files cannot be opened (“file not found”), this means that they were not saved in the device’s memory or were deleted when clearing the cache before creating the backup.
⚠️ Attention: Viber backup does not include files that were deleted from the chat before the backup was created. Also, messages from secret chats are not saved, since they are protected by end-to-end encryption and are not stored on servers.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, users may encounter technical problems. Most often they are related to network settings or application cache. If the process freezes at the “Connect” or “Code Verification” stage, first try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
Another common mistake is trying to log into your account from a new number on another device without completing the process on the old one. Viber supports work on only one smartphone at a time. If you try to activate a new number on a tablet or second phone while the old one is active, the system may require you to log out on the first device.
List of common problems and solutions:
- 🚫 Error “Invalid code”: Make sure that you are entering the code for the new SIM card, and not for the old one. The codes come are different.
- 📶 No signal: To activate a new SIM card in Viber, it must be inserted into the phone that receives the SMS. If the phone is dual-SIM, make sure that the correct card is selected for data and SMS transfer.
- 🔄 Cyclic reboot: If the application crashes when entering, clear the cache via
Android Settings → Applications → Viber → Memory → Clear cache.
If none of the methods helps, your number may be temporarily blocked by the security system for suspicious activity. In this case, you need to contact the support service through the official form on the website, indicating the details of the problem.
Most errors when changing your number can be resolved by simply rebooting the device or clearing the application cache before trying to log in again.
Setting privacy after changing your number
After you have successfully changed number, you should double-check your privacy settings. Changing your number is an excellent reason to audit (check) who sees your information. Because your number has changed, old contacts who don't have you in their phone book under your new name may see you as an unknown user.
Go to Settings → Privacy. Here it is recommended to hide the time of the last visit (Last Seen) and the “Online” status from strangers. Also check who can add you to groups. After changing the number, a new number will be automatically added to your old group chats, but in some corporate chats administrators could set up filters by number prefix.
Don't forget to update your profile information. Although your name and profile picture are transferred, sometimes it makes sense to recheck the display of your name so that your contacts see you correctly. If you use Viber Out to make calls to landline phones, check your balance, since when you change your number, linking payment methods may require reconfirmation.
What will happen to my stickers and purchased sets after changing the number?
All purchased and free stickers received are linked to your Viber ID account, and not to phone number. Therefore, after changing your number and logging into your profile, all your sets of stickers will be saved and will be available in full. There is no need to buy or download anything again.
Will my contacts know that I changed my number?
Yes, by default Viber sends a system notification to personal chats with your contacts that you have changed your number. However, this notification only comes to those with whom you have active conversations. In general group chats, a system message about changing a participant’s number may also appear if the group settings allow it.
Is it possible to change a number if the old one no longer works?
Technically, changing a number without access to the old one (to receive an SMS confirmation code) is extremely difficult. The security system requires confirmation of account ownership. If the old SIM card is lost, first try to restore the number from the mobile operator, insert the SIM card into the phone, go through the change procedure in Viber, and only then abandon the old number.
Will my Viber Premium subscription be transferred?
The Viber Premium subscription is linked to your account (Viber ID). If you change the number correctly through the app settings (“Change phone number”), the subscription will be saved. If you simply register a new account, you will have to purchase the subscription again or restore it through Google Play (Subscriptions in the Play Market).
What if I changed the country and operator code?
Changing the country (operator code) is not a problem for Viber. The application supports international numbers. The main thing is to correctly indicate the new country code when entering the number in the “Change number” field. The functionality of the application will remain the same, however, rates for Viber Out calls may change depending on the region of the new SIM card.