How to change your number on WhatsApp and keep your chats
In short
- WhatsApp’s Change number moves your account to a new number: Settings, then Account, then Change number.
- Your groups are told either way. You choose whether to tell your other contacts, and blocked contacts don’t get your new number.
- The new number has to receive WhatsApp’s code by text or call.
Got a new number? WhatsApp can move your account to it, so you don’t start again.
Before you start
Make sure the new number can receive texts or calls, and do it on the phone where WhatsApp is set up with your old number.
How to change it
Go to Settings, then Account, then Change number. Enter your old number and your new one, choose who to tell, and enter the code WhatsApp sends to the new number. Your account information, groups and settings move to the new number, and your chats stay on your phone.
Who gets told
Your groups are told about the change either way. You choose whether to tell your other contacts, and contacts you’ve blocked won’t get your new number.
After a one-time number
Signed up to WhatsApp with a one-time number from ReserveSMS? WhatsApp sends a code to the number when you register on a new phone, and ours receive codes for 20 minutes only, so moving the account to a number you keep is the way to hold on to it. Turn on two-step verification with an email as well.
Common questions
Do I lose my chats if I change my WhatsApp number?
Not if you change it on the same phone. Change number moves your account information, groups and settings, and your chats stay on the phone.
Will my contacts know I changed my WhatsApp number?
Your groups are told either way. You choose whether to tell your other contacts, and blocked contacts won’t get the new number.
Where is Change number in WhatsApp?
In Settings, then Account, then Change number.