How to Change Phone Number Without Losing Chats in WhatsApp & WhatsApp Business (Android & iPhone Complete Guide 2026)
Changing your mobile number is common when switching telecom providers, moving to a new region, or getting a new SIM card. Fortunately, both WhatsApp Messeng...
Changing your mobile number is common when switching telecom providers, moving to a new region, or getting a new SIM card. Fortunately, both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business include a built-in Change Number feature that lets you migrate your account without losing chats, groups, media, settings, or business information.
This guide explains the correct procedure for both Android and iPhone, common mistakes to avoid, troubleshooting methods, and frequently asked questions.
What Happens When You Change Your Number?
When done correctly using the Change Number feature:
| Item | Preserved? |
|---|---|
| Individual Chats | ✅ Yes |
| Group Chats | ✅ Yes |
| Photos & Videos | ✅ Yes |
| Documents | ✅ Yes |
| Voice Messages | ✅ Yes |
| Chat History | ✅ Yes |
| Archived Chats | ✅ Yes |
| Starred Messages | ✅ Yes |
| Profile Photo | ✅ Yes |
| About Information | ✅ Yes |
| Privacy Settings | ✅ Yes |
| Blocked Contacts | ✅ Yes |
| WhatsApp Business Catalog | ✅ Yes |
| Labels (Business) | ✅ Yes |
| Quick Replies (Business) | ✅ Yes |
| Business Profile | ✅ Yes |
Before You Begin
Make sure:
- Old SIM is still active
- New SIM can receive SMS or calls
- Internet connection is working
- Latest WhatsApp version installed
- Backup is completed
Step 1: Create a Backup
Android
Settings
↓
Chats
↓
Chat Backup
↓
Back Up
iPhone
Settings
↓
Chats
↓
Chat Backup
↓
Back Up Now
Although the Change Number feature normally keeps chats, having a backup provides extra protection.
Step 2: Insert the New SIM
The new number must be able to receive:
- SMS
- Voice verification calls
Step 3: Open Change Number
Open
Settings
↓
Account
↓
Change Number
You will see:
Old Phone Number
New Phone Number
Enter both carefully.
Step 4: Verify the New Number
WhatsApp sends
- SMS verification code
or
- Voice call verification
Enter the OTP.
Step 5: Notify Contacts (Optional)
WhatsApp asks whether to notify:
- All Contacts
- Contacts I Chat With
- Custom Contacts
- Nobody
Group members are always notified automatically.
Step 6: Finished
Your account now uses the new number.
Everything remains intact.
WhatsApp Business Additional Items That Are Preserved
Business users keep:
- Business Name
- Business Profile
- Working Hours
- Website
- Catalog
- Labels
- Quick Replies
- Greeting Messages
- Away Messages
- Business Settings
What Is NOT Changed?
Changing number does NOT affect
- Google Drive backup
- iCloud backup
- Local backups
- Device storage
- Media folders
What Changes?
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | Updated |
| Verification | New Number |
| Contacts | Updated |
| Groups | Continue Normally |
| Chats | Preserved |
| Business Profile | Same |
Android Steps
- Open WhatsApp
- Settings
- Account
- Change Number
- Continue
- Enter old number
- Enter new number
- Verify OTP
- Done
iPhone Steps
- Open WhatsApp
- Settings
- Account
- Change Number
- Continue
- Verify new number
- Finished
If You Bought a New Phone Too
Recommended order:
Old Phone
↓
Backup
↓
Change Number
↓
Verify
↓
Backup Again
↓
Install WhatsApp on New Phone
↓
Restore Backup
This minimizes migration issues.
Moving from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business
You can migrate:
WhatsApp Messenger
↓
WhatsApp Business
while keeping
- chats
- media
- groups
if done correctly.
Common Mistakes
Removing WhatsApp First
Never uninstall WhatsApp before changing number.
Registering New Number Directly
Always use
Settings
↓
Account
↓
Change Number
Do NOT reinstall unless required.
No Backup
Always create one.
Using Wrong Country Code
Example
❌ 919876543210
Correct:
+91 9876543210
Old SIM Already Deactivated
If the old number cannot be verified in some scenarios, changing may become difficult.
Troubleshooting
SMS Not Received
Check:
- Signal
- Correct number
- Country code
- SMS blocked
- Airplane mode
- Restart phone
Call Verification Not Working
Wait several minutes before requesting another code.
OTP Expired
Request a new code.
Cannot Verify Number
Possible causes:
- Temporary server issue
- Too many attempts
- Unsupported number
- VoIP number
Chats Missing
Restore from
Google Drive
or
iCloud Backup
Contacts Cannot See New Number
Enable
Notify Contacts
or manually inform them.
Verification Waiting Time
| Attempts | Waiting Time |
|---|---|
| First | Immediate |
| Multiple Failed Attempts | Several Minutes |
| Too Many Attempts | Hours |
| Excessive Attempts | Up to 24 Hours |
WhatsApp Business Special Considerations
If customers frequently contact you:
Update
- Website
- Business Cards
- Google Business Profile
- Social Media
- Email Signature
- QR Codes
- Catalog Links
Best Practices
✅ Backup before changing
✅ Update app first
✅ Verify internet
✅ Keep old SIM active
✅ Notify customers
✅ Verify business profile
Security Tips
Never share:
- OTP
- Verification code
- Backup password
- Two-Step Verification PIN
Screenshots to Include
Use these screenshots in your article:
Suggested screenshot sequence:
- WhatsApp Settings
- Account
- Change Number
- Enter Old/New Number
- Verification Screen
- Notify Contacts
- Successful Number Change
- Chat Backup Screen
- WhatsApp Business Profile
- Restored Chats
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| SMS not received | Network issue | Retry later |
| Wrong number entered | Typing mistake | Re-enter correctly |
| OTP expired | Delay | Request new OTP |
| Chats disappeared | No restore | Restore backup |
| Verification failed | Too many attempts | Wait before retrying |
| Contacts not updated | Notifications disabled | Notify manually |
| Business catalog missing | Sync delay | Refresh profile |
| Backup not detected | Wrong Google/iCloud account | Sign into correct account |
FAQ
Will I lose chats after changing my number?
No. Use the built-in Change Number feature.
Will my groups remain?
Yes.
Will media files remain?
Yes.
Will customers still see my old number?
Existing chats update to the new number. Depending on your notification settings, contacts may also receive a notice that your number has changed.
Will WhatsApp Business labels remain?
Yes.
Do I need to reinstall WhatsApp?
No.
Can I change number and phone together?
Yes, but change the number first, then move to the new device for the smoothest experience.
Will Google Drive backup change?
The backup remains associated with your WhatsApp account and the linked Google account. Future backups continue under the updated number after verification.
Can I go back to my old number?
Yes, if you still own it and can verify it.
Does changing number delete messages?
No.
Does two-step verification remain enabled?
Yes. If enabled, you may be asked for your PIN during the process.
Conclusion
The built-in Change Number feature in WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business is the safest way to switch to a new mobile number while preserving your chats, media, groups, settings, and—on WhatsApp Business—your business profile, labels, and catalog. Always create a fresh backup, keep your old SIM active until the migration is complete, and verify the new number before removing the old SIM to avoid unnecessary complications.
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