How to keep your WhatsApp chats when you change your number
Quick answer
Use WhatsApp's built-in Change number feature, in Settings, Account, while the old number still works on your phone: it moves your account, groups and chats to the new number. Back up to Google Drive or iCloud first. You'll need to receive a code on the new number. Deleting the account and registering again with the new number loses your chats unless you restore a backup.
Whether you're moving from a temporary number to your own or switching carriers, the safest path is the one WhatsApp designed for it. Doing it in the wrong order is how people lose years of chats.
Before you start
- Make a fresh backup: Settings, Chats, Chat backup.
- Put the new number somewhere it can receive an SMS. It doesn't have to be in the same phone.
- Keep the old number active on WhatsApp until the change is done.
How Change number works
Go to Settings, Account, Change number. Enter the old number and the new one, choose whether to notify your contacts, then verify the new number with the code WhatsApp sends. Your chats, groups and settings move to the new number on the same phone.
What your contacts see
Groups get a notice that you changed numbers. You can choose to notify all contacts, only the people you chat with, or no one. Contacts still need to save the new number to see your name.
Moving off a temporary number
If your account started on a Noir SMS number, use Change number to move to a number you control while the account still works. The new number needs to receive one SMS code. Afterwards, set a two-step PIN and add an email.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the old SIM to change my WhatsApp number?
No. You need WhatsApp still working on the phone with the old number. The SIM itself doesn't need to be in the phone.
Will my groups follow me?
Yes. Change number moves you in your groups to the new number.
Can I change number and phone at the same time?
Change the number first, then move to the new phone with a backup or WhatsApp's chat transfer.
What happens to the old number?
It's no longer linked to your account. Anyone who gets it later starts a fresh account.
Services in this guide
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