WhatsApp has become an inseparable part of daily communication, allowing users to stay connected through text messages, photos, videos, documents, and voice or video calls. From personal conversations to professional coordination, the Meta-owned messaging platform functions as a one-stop solution for modern communication needs.

At times, users may need to change their mobile number due to reasons such as switching network providers, relocating to a new region, or upgrading to a new SIM card. The biggest concern in such situations is often the fear of losing chats, groups, and account data. To address this, WhatsApp offers a built-in “Change Number” feature that lets users update their phone number while keeping their account intact.

Here’s a detailed guide explaining how to change your WhatsApp phone number safely without losing your data, along with important things to keep in mind.

What Happens When You Change Your WhatsApp Number?

When you use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature, the app migrates your account information from your old number to the new one. This includes:

• Your profile name and photo
• All personal and group chats
• WhatsApp groups and settings

At the same time, the WhatsApp account linked to your old number is automatically deleted. As a result, your contacts will no longer see your old number associated with WhatsApp.

Things to Do Before Changing Your WhatsApp Number

Before proceeding, make sure you:

• Have access to the new phone number and can receive SMS or calls on it
• Are using the same phone for the number change
• Have an active internet connection
• Optionally back up your chats for extra safety

These steps help ensure a smooth transition without interruptions.

How to Change Your Phone Number on WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to update your WhatsApp number:

Step 1:
Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.

Step 2:
Go to Settings from the menu.

Step 3:
Tap on Account.

Step 4:
Select the Change Number option.

Step 5:
Enter your new phone number in the given field.

Step 6:
Tap Done at the top of the screen.

Step 7:
Verify your new phone number by entering the OTP sent via SMS.

Once verified, your WhatsApp account will be updated with the new number.

Will Your Contacts Be Notified?

WhatsApp gives users the option to notify contacts about their new number. You can choose to inform:

• All contacts
• Only contacts you’ve chatted with
• Custom-selected contacts

This ensures privacy and control over who gets notified.

Why Use WhatsApp’s Official Change Number Feature?

Using the in-app Change Number option ensures:

• No loss of chat history or groups
• Seamless account migration
• Continued access to WhatsApp services
• Improved security and data integrity

Manually creating a new account without this feature may lead to data loss and inconvenience.

Final Thoughts

Changing your WhatsApp phone number no longer has to be stressful. With the built-in Change Number feature, users can switch numbers effortlessly while keeping their chats, groups, and profile information intact. By following the correct steps and verifying your new number, you can continue using WhatsApp without missing a beat.