How to Change Phone Number of WhatsApp on iPhone [Guide 2026]

You may have the same problem with the above users when you use a new phone number for your new job or a new city and want to give up your old phone number. So in this case, what can you do to change the phone number of WhatsApp on iPhone without losing any WhatsApp data associated with your old account? This tutorial will tell you the tips and you can switch the phone number of WhatsApp without any hassle.

Part 1: What to Do Before Changing Your WhatsApp Phone Number on iPhone

In fact, except for the number associated with your WhatsApp, nothing will be changed after switching the WhatsApp number. That means your profile information, groups and setting will be unchanged. In addition, the old number will be deleted so you have no need of worrying someone may find and add your old phone number. It seems perfect and you do not need to do anything before the switching process.

However, you are still be recommended to backup your WhatsApp data in advance. Data lost is unforeseen so it is very possible that you lose the WhatsApp files one day without any warning. Thus, to avoid this issue, you'd better backup your WhatsApp data regularly so that you can find them back once data losing occurs. Here, you can simply backup them via WhatsApp. Below are the details for your reference:

• Launch "WhatsApp" on iPhone.
• Navigate to "Settings"> "Chats"> "Chats Backup".
• Hit "Back Up Now" button to save them.

See Also:

• Methods to Backup WhatsApp Messages for Android and iPhone

Part 2: How to Change WhatsApp Phone Number on iPhone

In this part, two methods to change the WhatsApp phone number on iPhone will be introduced- with or without SIM card. Let's take a look now.

Method 1: Change WhatsApp number with SIM card

Before using this means, you need to ensure that you are able to receive messages or phone calls for the reason that WhatsApp will send verification code to you. In addition, your new phone number must be saved in the phone address book of WhatsApp contacts. If you are sure that your device matches these two conditions, you can begin to switch the number now.

• Launch "WhatsApp" on you iPhone.
• Go to Settings and select "Account" under this folder.
• Choose "Change Number" and tap "Next" to continue.



• Type in your old number in the upper column and the new one in the below column. (Don't forget to change the country code if you have move to another country.)
• Tap on "Done" and confirm the number.



• Type in the verification code that you have received from WhatsApp.

Method 2: Switch WhatsApp phone number without SIM card

If you don't take along the new card, you could turn to Text Now Which is used to receive the verification code.

• Download and install the Text Now on your device.
• Open up the tool and associated it with your new phone number.
• Go to WhatsApp> Settings> Account> Change Number> Next.
• Enter both your old and new phone number.
• You will receive a verification code from WhatsApp now. Just wait until it fails.
• WhatsApp will call you and please listen carefully and write down the verification code this time. Then type in it on WhatsApp to change the phone number.

See also:

• 9 Best WhatsApp Backup Extractors 2026 [Android/iPhone]

Part 3: What Happens After Changing Your WhatsApp Number

After changing your WhatsApp phone number on an iPhone, several things will happen automatically. Here's what you can expect:

• Your chat history remains on the iPhone: All existing conversations, messages, and media stay on your device if you use WhatsApp's built-in Change Number feature on the same iPhone.
• Your WhatsApp groups are updated automatically: You will stay in all your current groups, and WhatsApp will notify group members about your number change (based on your notification settings).
• Your account information moves to the new number: Your profile photo, name, status, and privacy settings are transferred to the new phone number without any manual action.
• Your old number is disconnected from WhatsApp: Once the change is complete, the previous phone number will no longer be linked to your WhatsApp account.
• Contact notifications depend on your choice: WhatsApp lets you decide whether to notify all contacts, selected chats, or no one about your new number.
• WhatsApp backups switch to the new number: Future iCloud backups will be created under the new phone number, while older backups tied to the old number may not be usable later.

Overall, the number change process is smooth, but creating a backup beforehand is strongly recommended to avoid any potential data issues.

Part 4: WhatsApp Data Recovery After Phone Number Change

Changing your WhatsApp phone number on iPhone is usually safe, but data loss can still happen in certain situations-such as skipping backups, verification failures, reinstalling WhatsApp by mistake, or switching devices during the process. If your chats go missing after the number change, timely WhatsApp data recovery on iPhone becomes crucial. This is where a professional solution like MobiKin WhatsApp Recovery for iOS can help.

WhatsApp Recovery for iOS is a professional desktop tool designed specifically for WhatsApp data management and recovery. It not only helps you back up WhatsApp chats from your iPhone to a computer, but also enables you to recover lost WhatsApp messages, attachments, and chat history from iTunes backups-without overwriting current iPhone data.

Key Features of MobiKin WhatsApp Recovery for iOS:

• Back up WhatsApp chats and attachments from iPhone to computer safely.
• Recover deleted or lost WhatsApp data from iTunes backup files.
• Preview WhatsApp messages before recovery.
• Restore WhatsApp data without affecting existing iPhone content.
• Support WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and attachments.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS versions and iPhone models.

Back Up WhatsApp Data from iPhone to Computer:

Step 1: Download and install MobiKin WhatsApp Recovery for iOS on your computer. Open the program and select "Recover from iOS Device." Then connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: After the device is recognized, select the types of data you want to restore and click "Start Scan." Once the scan is complete, preview the detected WhatsApp messages and files, and check the items you want to recover.

Step 3: When your selection is finished, click "Recover to Computer." The software will extract and save the chosen WhatsApp data from your iPhone to your computer.

Recover Lost WhatsApp Data from iTunes Backup:

If you've previously created an iTunes backup that includes your WhatsApp data, WhatsApp Recovery for iOS can help you extract and restore specific WhatsApp chats or attachments from that backup without affecting your iPhone.

Step 1: Launch the program and choose "Recover from iTunes Backup File." The software will automatically scan your computer and list all available iTunes backup files. Select the backup you want to use, then click "Start Scan" to continue.

Step 2: Choose the WhatsApp data categories you want to recover and click "Start Scan." The program will analyze the selected backup and locate all WhatsApp messages and related attachments.

Step 3: After the scan finishes, preview the recovered WhatsApp files and check the items you need. Finally, click "Recover to Computer" to extract and save the selected WhatsApp data from the iTunes backup to your computer.

Video Guide:

Part 5: Tips to Change WhatsApp Phone Number Without Losing Data

Changing your WhatsApp phone number on iPhone can be safe and hassle-free if you take the right precautions in advance. The following tips will help you avoid data loss and ensure a smooth transition.

• Create a full WhatsApp backup before changing the number
  Always back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud before starting the number change. This ensures your messages and media can be restored if anything goes wrong. (How to Access WhatsApp Backup on Google Drive & iCloud?)
• Use WhatsApp's built-in "Change Number" feature
  Avoid uninstalling WhatsApp or registering a new number manually. The official Change Number option is designed to transfer your account data safely.
• Keep the same iPhone during the number change
  Change the phone number on the same iPhone where your WhatsApp data is stored. Switching devices too early may cause chats to disappear.
• Make sure the new number can receive verification codes
  Confirm that your new SIM card is active and able to receive SMS or calls before starting the process.
• Do not delete WhatsApp data during the process
  Avoid clearing app data or removing backups until the number change is fully completed and verified.
• Maintain a stable internet connection
  A strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection helps prevent verification errors and backup failures.
• Create an extra local backup if possible
  In addition to iCloud, using a computer-based tool to back up WhatsApp data provides extra protection against unexpected data loss.

By following these tips, you can change your WhatsApp phone number on iPhone with confidence and keep your chats, media, and important conversations intact.

Conclusion

Changing your WhatsApp phone number on iPhone doesn't have to be risky if you prepare properly. By backing up your data, using WhatsApp's built-in tools, and following the correct steps, you can keep your chats and media safe. Even if something goes wrong, reliable recovery solutions are available to help restore lost data, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition to your new number.

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