How to Change Your WhatsApp Number Without Losing Chats

Changing your WhatsApp number is more common than you might think. Whether you have switched mobile providers, relocated to a new country, or simply want to separate personal and business use, updating your number can feel daunting. The biggest fear for most users is losing valuable chats, media files, and group memberships. The good news is that WhatsApp offers built-in tools to make the process smooth, and with the right preparation you can keep your chat history intact.

Can you change your WhatsApp number without losing data?

Yes, you can change your WhatsApp number without losing your chats, contacts, or groups. WhatsApp includes a feature called Change Number, which helps migrate your account information, settings, and conversations to the new number. The feature also notifies your contacts about your updated details. By following the official steps carefully, you can switch numbers while keeping your data safe.

Preparing before you change your number

A little preparation makes the process easier and reduces the risk of problems later. Before you begin:

Make sure your new number can receive SMS or calls, as WhatsApp will send a verification code.
Back up your chats manually to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS).
Check that your phone has enough storage space for backups and restores.
Update WhatsApp to the latest version on Android, iOS, or WhatsApp Web for the smoothest experience.

These steps help ensure that you don't lose your data during the transition.

How to change your WhatsApp number on Android

If you use WhatsApp on an Android device, here is the step-by-step method:

Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select Settings, then go to Account.
Tap Change number.
Read the information displayed, then tap Next.
Enter your old phone number in the first field and your new phone number in the second. Both should be in full international format.
Tap Next. You will then see an option to notify contacts. You can choose All contacts, Contacts I have chats with, or Custom.
Tap Done. A verification code will be sent to your new number via SMS or call.
Enter the code, and your account will now be linked to your new number with all chats preserved.

Once complete, your groups and settings will remain the same, and WhatsApp will handle notifying your chosen contacts.

How to change your WhatsApp number on iPhone

The process on iOS is very similar, though the menus look slightly different:

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings in the bottom-right corner.
Tap Account, then choose Change number.
Tap Next, and enter your old and new numbers in international format.
Select your notification preferences for contacts.
Tap Done, and wait for the verification code to arrive.
Enter the code, and WhatsApp will finish migrating your data.

Again, your chats, groups, and media stay with you, and you will not need to reinstall the app.

Can you change your number on WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp Web and the desktop app mirror what is on your phone. That means you cannot directly change your number from the web interface. Instead, you must complete the change on your Android or iPhone device. Once done, simply log back into WhatsApp Web by scanning the QR code again, and your updated number will appear automatically with your full chat history.

What happens to your old number after the change?

When you change your WhatsApp number, the old number is automatically removed from WhatsApp's system. Your contacts will no longer see the old account associated with that number. If someone messages your old number, the message will not reach you. This is why notifying contacts is so important. WhatsApp provides an option to alert your groups and selected contacts so they always have your latest details.

Does changing your number delete your chats?

No, if you use the built-in Change Number feature, your chat history and groups stay intact. However, if you uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it with the new number without using Change Number, your data could be lost unless you restore a backup. That's why backing up before starting is always a good safety net.

Troubleshooting common issues

What if I don't receive the verification code?

If your new number does not receive the SMS code, try these steps:

Check that you entered the number in international format, including the country code.
Ensure your phone has network coverage and can receive SMS or calls.
Request a voice call instead of SMS if available.
Restart your phone and try again.

What if my chats disappear after changing the number?

If chats seem to vanish, restore them from your last backup. On Android, reinstall WhatsApp and restore from Google Drive. On iOS, reinstall and restore from iCloud. As long as you backed up before starting, your conversations can be recovered.

Can I go back to my old number?

Yes, you can repeat the process using the Change Number feature to switch back. However, your old number must still be active and able to receive the verification SMS or call.

How contacts are notified of your new number

When you switch numbers, WhatsApp allows you to decide who gets notified. You can:

Notify all contacts.
Notify only people you have ongoing chats with.
Choose a custom list of contacts.

In addition, WhatsApp automatically informs all your group chats about your new number, so you won't need to re-add yourself manually.

Changing your number and using WhatsApp Business

For businesses, changing numbers is often a bigger concern, especially if your WhatsApp number is used for customer support. Using a UK virtual mobile number from providers like gosimless allows you to verify WhatsApp Business securely without relying on a personal SIM. The process of changing your number works the same way, but virtual numbers give you flexibility if you need to separate personal and business use.

Frequently asked questions

Will my media files stay on my phone?

Yes, all photos, videos, and documents remain on your device. Changing your number does not delete local media.

Can I change my number if I am abroad?

Yes, as long as your new number can receive the verification code. This is where a UK virtual number can help if you are overseas but want a UK presence.

How often can I change my WhatsApp number?

There is no strict limit, but frequent changes may confuse contacts. It is best to only change when necessary.

Do I need to reinstall WhatsApp to change my number?

No, you don't need to reinstall the app. Use the Change Number feature inside settings for the smoothest transition.

Can I use the same WhatsApp account on two numbers?

No, WhatsApp accounts are tied to one number at a time. However, WhatsApp Business allows you to use different numbers across different devices if needed.

Keeping your account secure during the change

It is wise to enable two-step verification when changing your number. This adds a PIN code to your account, making it harder for others to hijack your account if they somehow get hold of your SIM. Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification to set this up before or after changing numbers.

Using a UK virtual number for flexibility

If you run a business or travel often, a UK virtual number is an excellent option. With gosimless, you can:

Verify your WhatsApp Business account without needing a physical SIM.

Keep your personal and business conversations separate.

Retain a UK identity even if you are based abroad.

This makes it easier to manage customer communications, marketing, and team accounts without the hassle of constantly changing SIM cards.

Changing your WhatsApp number the safe way

Changing your WhatsApp number doesn't have to mean losing your chats. By using WhatsApp's built-in Change Number feature, backing up your data, and ensuring your new number is active, you can complete the switch smoothly. Whether you are an individual switching networks or a business adopting a UK virtual number through gosimless, the process keeps your conversations, media, and groups safe.

If you are considering using a UK virtual number to manage your WhatsApp Business presence, explore the flexible solutions offered by gosimless today.