Change your number in WhatsApp without losing your chats

WhatsApp lets you change the phone number linked to your account while keeping all your existing conversations, contacts, and media. The process takes a few minutes and works the same way on iPhone and Android. You do not need to delete and reinstall the app, and your contacts will see that you have changed your number — they can update their address book automatically.

The key is to change your number before you stop using your old SIM card or phone plan. If you wait until after, WhatsApp cannot verify your new number and you will lose access to your account. The app needs to send a verification code to your new number, and that code only works once.

Key Takeaways

  • Start the number change while your old phone number still works, because WhatsApp sends a verification code to the new number that you must confirm.
  • Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, tap Account, then Change Number, and enter both your old and new phone numbers.
  • WhatsApp will send a six-digit code to your new number by SMS or call — enter it in the app to complete the change.
  • Your chat history stays in the app, but contacts will see a system message saying you changed your number and can update their address book.

Step-by-step: changing your number on iPhone

Open WhatsApp and tap the Settings icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap Account, then Change Number. You will see two fields: one for your old number and one for your new number. Type your old number first, including the country code (for example, +1 for the United States). Then type your new number in the second field, also with the country code.

Tap Done. WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number. You can receive it by SMS text message or by phone call — if the text does not arrive within a minute, tap Call Me Instead. Enter the six-digit code when it arrives. Your number is now changed. All your chats, groups, and media files stay in the app.

Step-by-step: changing your number on Android

Open WhatsApp and tap the three vertical dots at the top right. Tap Settings, then Account, then Change Number. Enter your old number in the first field and your new number in the second field, including country codes for both. Tap Next.

WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number by SMS. If you do not receive it within a minute, you can tap Call Me to get the code by phone instead. Type the six-digit code into the app. Your number is now changed and your chat history remains in the app.

What happens to your contacts and groups

Your contacts will see a system message in your chat saying that you changed your number. They can tap this message to update your contact information in their address book. You do not need to tell them separately — the notification happens automatically.

In group chats, the same system message appears. Your name in the group stays the same, but your number is updated. You remain a member of all the groups you were in before the change.

What to do if you cannot receive the verification code

If the SMS text does not arrive, tap Call Me to receive the code by phone call instead. The automated call will read the six-digit code to you. If you do not have access to either SMS or calls on your new number, you cannot complete the change — you will need to wait until you can receive one of these verification methods.

If you have already switched to your new phone number and the old one no longer works, you cannot change your number in WhatsApp. In this case, you will need to delete the app, reinstall it, and set up your account again with the new number. This will erase your chat history, so only do this if you have no other option.

Changing your number on a new phone

If you are moving to a new phone at the same time you are changing your number, do the number change first on your old phone while it still has the old SIM card or phone plan active. Once the change is complete, you can move to the new phone and sign in with your WhatsApp account using the same phone number you just changed to.

When you open WhatsApp on the new phone, it will ask you to verify your number. Use the same verification code process — WhatsApp will send a code to your new number, and you enter it in the app. Your chats will read to the new phone once you are signed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my chat history if I change my number?

No. Your chats, groups, and media files stay in WhatsApp when you change your number. The change only updates the phone number linked to your account — everything else remains the same.

Can I change my number if I already switched SIM cards?

No. You must change your number while your old phone number still works, because WhatsApp needs to send a verification code to your new number. If you have already switched, you will need to delete WhatsApp, reinstall it, and set up a new account with your new number. This will erase your chat history.

What if someone calls me while I am changing my number?

You can still receive calls and texts on your old number during the change. The process only takes a few minutes. If you need to pause, you can close the Change Number screen and come back to it later — just make sure you complete it before you stop using your old number.

Do my contacts automatically know my new number?

WhatsApp sends a system message to all your chats telling people you changed your number. They can tap the message to update your contact information. However, they will not see your new number in the message itself — they only see that you changed it. You may want to text your closest contacts separately with your new number.

Can I change my number on WhatsApp Web or Desktop?

No. You can only change your number in the WhatsApp app on your phone. WhatsApp Web and Desktop are linked to your phone app and do not have independent account settings. Make the change on your phone first, and your other devices will update automatically.