Previously, the account of WhatsApp it was directly associated with a mobile number, and changing mobile meant losing that account, and with that, also losing group conversations, or the subscription that we would have paid for. That has changed for a while and it is not like that anymore. Now it is possible to change the mobile number without affecting our WhatsApp account. Let's see how to do it.
If you have bought a new smartphone and a new number, you do not have to follow the same steps as if you simply have a new number. For this reason, we kindly ask you to first go to the section suitably titled according to your case: "New number and new Smartphone" or "New number"
New number
0.- Change the SIM
First, change the SIM card, and make sure that in the smartphone you have the SIM with the new number. It is not essential, but it will be the fastest.
1.- Go to WhatsApp Settings
Obviously, this option did not appear in Settings before, but any change in our account must be made from the WhatsApp account settings. To do this, we access WhatsApp normally, click on the options button in the upper right corner, and select Settings.
2.- Account info
Next, we will have to select the same option that we choose when we want to renew the WhatsApp subscription, Account Info.
3.- Change number
We just have to select Change number to get to the window in which we are given the option to change the number. In this window we will see some brief instructions that explain what we have to do, like the one we gave you before we started. If you have it clear, click on the Next button that appears in the upper right corner.
4.- Enter the old number and the new number
It is time to enter both the old mobile number and the new mobile number. Of course, you must make sure that you can receive calls or SMS on the new number.
5.- Verification of the number
Now WhatsApp will send you an SMS that will automatically verify that the number is yours.
New smartphone and new number
Now, if you have purchased both a new smartphone and a new number, and what you want is to have WhatsApp with the new number on the new smartphone, then you must take some things into account.
The previous steps must be carried out on the old smartphone. To facilitate work, if possible, insert the new card into the old smartphone, and then change the number, which will be very simple. Finally, you just have to insert the SIM card in the new smartphone, install WhatsApp, and enter your number normally.
My old smartphone is not free
If it is not possible because it is not a free smartphone, then there is no problem, but step 5 will be more complex. From here, you have the old smartphone turned on and the old card, and the new smartphone turned on and the new card. You are operating on the old smartphone:
5.- Verification of the number
WhatsApp will send an SMS to your new number. That SMS will be received on the new smartphone. WhatsApp will not be able to detect the reception of this SMS because it has been sent to the other mobile. But nothing happens, you just have to be patient and wait for time to run out.
6.- Verify by means of a call
At the end of the time, WhatsApp will offer us the option to verify the number by means of a phone call, and we will say yes.
7.- We receive a call (on a new smartphone)
We receive the call on the new smartphone, which is the one with the new number card. So you have to be attentive to receive the call. When picking up, an automatic system will tell us a verification number. It is best to write it down.
8.- Enter verification code (on old smartphone)
In the old smartphone a window appears where you have to enter a verification code made up of two groups of three numbers. We enter it, confirm it, and we will have already changed the number.
9.- Log in with a new number (on a new smartphone)
Now, you just have to install WhatsApp on the new smartphone, enter the new number, and follow the steps that the system tells us normally. Of course, remember that you cannot use WhatsApp on two smartphones at the same time, so to avoid problems, turn off the old one, or uninstall WhatsApp from the previous smartphone.
