Your WhatsApp account has always been linked to your mobile number. But, with the latest update(s) on WhatsApp for all platforms, Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Nokia S40 and BlackBerry 10, you can now change your mobile number – that’s porting your WhatsApp account to another number.
This new option Change number is available inside the Account settings tab – Settings > Account > Change number. The operation is really simple. Just enter your old mobile number and the new mobile number in that page, and WhatsApp will do the rest for you. This will move your account info, settings and groups to your new number.
For those using Nokia S40, go to Options > Settings > Change phone number.
Sadly there isn’t an option for you to change number on Nokia Symbian and Windows Phone yet.
Things to note
Make sure that you have both your old mobile SIM and the new one plugged into different mobile phones. WhatsApp needs your new number to be active on a mobile device at the time of changing numbers.
Why this feature?
Most people always go about jumping from one carrier to the other. It is tiresome to take WhatsApp backups, import to the new mobile phone and then restore, isn’t it?
Also, this feature is makes it easy for premium WhatsApp users to continue their membership hassle-free.
8 Comments
Arun,
Much needed post.. i was searching for this kind of formation. thanks for sharing.
I’m glad that you found this useful, Sagar Rai. 🙂
thanks, never saw this option.. 😀 although using whatsapp from years…
Ha ha, no Ashish, this feature was introduced only before a few days. 🙂
This is indeed a very useful option by Whatsapp. Instead of removing and adding, I can now simply switch my number. My free membership was extended to 2 years but I will surely purchase premium membership after it ends.
Yeah, a pretty useful feature. 🙂
I don’t think it is necessary to purchase the premium membership ever. Most of my friends got 3-4 free upgrades! I got one myself! It’d be cool if WhatsApp gives free memberships forever. 😛
Dude,
For windows, we have this feature,quite easy.
I am not sure for symbian however
Can you tell me how one can change the number on WhatsApp? I’ll update the same in the post. 🙂