When you want to change your phone number, one of the most worrying things is losing your WhatsApp chats and contacts. But there's no need to be afraid anymore because there is an easy way to change your phone number without losing your WhatsApp chat.
This feature is certainly very useful for all WhatsApp users, especially for those who go abroad and have to change their phone number but still want to save all chats.
This WhatsApp phone number change feature can be used on Android and iOS. This feature also applies to changing numbers on the same phone or to a new phone, but changing to a new phone is a bit complicated.
Before starting, there are several things that must be considered. First, make sure your new number is active and can receive calls or SMS.
Also make sure your old number is currently registered on WhatsApp. The way to find out a phone number that is already registered on WhatsApp is to open the app then go to settings and tap on profile photo.
Without further ado, here's how to change your phone number on WhatsApp without losing chats:
Insert a new SIM card into the phone
Open the WhatsApp application on your phone then go to Settings > Account > Change number > Continue
Enter the old phone number and the new phone number in the fields. Make sure the number entered is in complete international format
Tap Continue to move to the next stage
WhatsApp will ask if you want to notify your contacts of changing phone numbers. You can choose between three options namely 'All contacts', 'Contacts in my chat list', or 'Custom. If you choose the 'Custom' option then you have to find or select the contact you want to be notified of, then tap the check mark
Keep in mind that the group you are joining will be immediately notified about changing your phone number, regardless of your choice to notify the contact
Once everything is in order, tap Done to complete the number changing process.
After that WhatsApp will ask you to verify the number you just registered. You will receive a six-digit code via SMS or telephone to complete the registration process. Once registered, your WhatsApp chats will still be available at the new phone number.
But to change a new number and a new cell phone, you have to take the extra step of making sure all chats and data are backed up on Google Drive or iCloud, depending on the phone you're using.
Before moving your WhatsApp account to a new phone, you have to change the old number to a new number on your old phone using the method above. After that install WhatsApp on the new phone and register a new phone number. Follow the instructions to restore the backup and your WhatsApp account can be used as usual without any chats being lost.
