- Before you change your number on WhatsApp
- How to change your number on WhatsApp on the same phone
- What moves to your new number, and what doesn't
- How to change your number and your phone at the same time
- Tell people before you switch
- If Change Number doesn't work
- You can't undo it
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To change your number on WhatsApp, put the new SIM in your phone, open WhatsApp Settings, tap Account, then Change Number, then Next. Enter your old number and your new number in full international format, choose who to notify and tap Done, then verify the new number. Your chats, groups and settings move across to the new number.
The single most important rule: do this on your main phone while you still have your old number. WhatsApp says that if you swap SIM without using Change Number and then lose the old number, you lose access to your WhatsApp account permanently.
Here are the steps, what moves with you, what doesn't, and how to change number and phone at the same time. It's all from WhatsApp's Help Center, read in October 2026.
Before you change your number on WhatsApp
WhatsApp lists a few checks first. Run through them and the change goes through first time:
- Your new number can receive SMS texts or phone calls.
- Your new number has an active cellular connection.
- Your old number is still the one registered on WhatsApp. You can see it in Settings by tapping your profile.
- Your new number is supported. WhatsApp won't register VoIP, toll free, paid premium, universal access or personal numbers, and landlines only work on WhatsApp Business.
- You're on your primary phone. You can't change your number on WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop.
How to change your number on WhatsApp on the same phone
- Insert the SIM card with your new number.
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings or your profile picture.
- Tap Account, then Change Number, then Next.
- Enter your old number in the first field and your new number in the second, both in full international format.
- Tap Next. If you turn on Notify Contacts, choose to tell all your contacts, only the contacts you chat with, or a custom list.
- Tap Done, then register your new number when WhatsApp prompts you.
Your group chats are told automatically that you've changed number, whatever you pick for your contacts. Those steps are from WhatsApp's iPhone guide. On Android, Settings sits under More options, the three dots, and you look for the same Account and Change Number options there.
What moves to your new number, and what doesn't
| Moves across | Doesn't move or changes |
|---|---|
| Profile photo, username and display name | Backups made on your old number can't be restored |
| Privacy settings and WhatsApp contacts | The account on your old number is deleted |
| Individual chats and group chats | Blocked contacts stay blocked and aren't told your new number |
| Your groups are notified automatically | Broadcast lists only reach people who save your new number |
The backup row is the one to act on. WhatsApp says cloud backups are linked to the number used when they were made, so after a change, backups from your old number can't be used to restore your data. Make a fresh backup straight away. If you're not sure where yours lives, see my guide on where WhatsApp backups are stored.
How to change your number and your phone at the same time
WhatsApp's order matters here. Change the number on your old phone first, then back up, then move:
- On your old phone, use Change Number as above.
- Still on your old phone, make a new backup on the new number (iCloud on iPhone, or your usual backup on Android).
- On your new phone, install WhatsApp.
- Register your new number.
- Restore your backup.
Because backups only restore on the number they were made with, a backup taken before the change won't help you on the new phone. Android users can check theirs with my guide to finding your WhatsApp backup on Google Drive.
Tell people before you switch
WhatsApp recommends telling your contacts about the new number before you change, and asking them to save it. If you run a broadcast list for customers, that step decides whether your messages land at all, because only people who've saved your new number get broadcasts.
If Change Number doesn't work
- Check your old number is still the one registered on WhatsApp, and register it again first if it isn't.
- Check you've got a strong, stable mobile connection and enough storage on the phone.
- If the app says your account is banned, you'll need to request a review in the app before changing number.
- If your new number shows as already registered, the previous owner of that number probably used WhatsApp.
- If you've lost your old SIM, contact your mobile provider for a replacement SIM with the same number.
You can't undo it
WhatsApp is clear that changing your number by mistake can't be reversed. If you go back to the original number, you'll need group admins to invite you back into your groups. So check both numbers carefully before tapping Done.
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My verdict
Changing your number on WhatsApp is quick: Settings, Account, Change Number, both numbers, Done. Do it on your main phone while the old number still works, tell people first, and make a new backup the minute it's finished. Get those three right and you keep every chat and group with no drama.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my number on WhatsApp?
Insert your new SIM, open WhatsApp Settings, tap Account, then Change Number, then Next. Enter your old and new numbers in full international format, tap Next, choose who to notify, tap Done and verify the new number.
Will I lose my chats if I change my WhatsApp number?
No, if you use Change Number. WhatsApp moves your profile, settings, contacts, individual chats and group chats to the new number.
Do my WhatsApp contacts get told when I change number?
Your groups are told automatically. For contacts, you choose with Notify Contacts: all contacts, contacts you have chats with, or a custom list.
Can I change my WhatsApp number on WhatsApp Web?
No. WhatsApp says you can only change your number on your primary phone, not on WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop.
Can I restore an old backup after changing my number?
No. WhatsApp says backups are linked to the number used when they were made, so backups from your old number can't be restored. Make a new backup after the change.
Can I undo a WhatsApp number change?
No. WhatsApp says a mistaken number change can't be reverted. If you go back to the original number, group admins need to invite you back.
