How to Find and Change Your WhatsApp Phone Number
WhatsApp is a versatile messaging app that keeps you connected with friends, family, and colleagues. If you need to update or change your phone number on WhatsApp, whether due to a new number or switching devices, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
How to Find Your Number on WhatsApp
Before making any changes, it’s useful to know which number is currently linked to your WhatsApp account.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the app on your phone.
- Access Settings: Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner (for Android) or the settings tab at the bottom right (for iOS).
- Go to Account: Select the “Account” option.
- View Profile: Tap on “Profile” to see the phone number associated with your account. On iOS, you might find it under “Settings” > “Account” > “Privacy.”
How to Change Your WhatsApp Number on the Same Phone
If you’re changing your phone number but will continue using the same device, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the app on your phone.
- Go to Settings: Tap the three-dot menu icon (Android) or “Settings” (iOS).
- Access Account Settings: Select “Account” and then “Change Number.”
- Enter Old and New Numbers: Input your current phone number in the first field and the new number in the second field.
- Verify Your New Number: WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new number. Enter this code to complete the process.
- Update Contacts: You can choose to notify your contacts about your new number or skip this step.
How to Transfer Your WhatsApp History to a New Phone
When switching to a new phone, it’s important to transfer your WhatsApp history to keep your chats and media.
- Backup Your Chats:
- On Android: Go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat backup.” Tap “BACK UP” to create a backup on Google Drive.
- On iOS: Go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat Backup” and tap “Back Up Now” to create a backup on iCloud.
- Install WhatsApp on New Phone: Download and install WhatsApp from the app store on your new device.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. Ensure it’s the same number you used on your old phone.
- Restore Backup: WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your chat history from the backup. Confirm to restore your chats and media.
How to Check if Your Phone Number Is Blocked
If you suspect that someone has blocked your number on WhatsApp, here’s how you can check:
Check Last Seen Status:
- If you can’t see a contact’s last seen or online status, it might indicate a block. However, this could also be due to privacy settings.
Check Profile Picture and Status:
- If you can no longer see a contact’s profile picture or status updates, this could be a sign that you’re blocked.
Send a Message:
- Send a message to the contact. If only one check mark appears and it never changes to two check marks, you might be blocked.
Create a Group:
- Try adding the contact to a new group. If you receive a message saying you are not authorized to add the contact, it’s likely you’ve been blocked.
FAQs
Can I change my WhatsApp number without losing my chats?
Yes, you can change your number without losing your chats by using the “Change Number” feature in WhatsApp settings.
How do I backup WhatsApp if I’m switching phones?
Create a backup of your chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) before switching phones to ensure your data is preserved.
What happens to my old number after changing it on WhatsApp?
Your old number will no longer be associated with your WhatsApp account, and you will start using the new number.
How do I restore my WhatsApp history on a new phone?
Ensure you’ve backed up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud, then install WhatsApp on your new phone and restore the backup when prompted.
Can I check if I’m blocked by someone on WhatsApp?
There’s no direct way to see if you’re blocked, but indicators like not being able to see a contact’s last seen, profile picture, or status updates, and inability to send messages can suggest that you might be blocked.
By following these steps, you can smoothly manage your WhatsApp account and ensure a seamless transition when changing phone numbers or devices.
Curtis, a Canadian content creator based in Vancouver, BC, has been with unfites.com since August 2024. With a strong passion for gaming, music, ice hockey, and mobile technology, Curtis previously wrote for Elite Prospects and Monstercat while pursuing his studies in English Literature and Language at UBC. He began his content creation journey in 2010 and has been writing professionally since 2014.