How to Change WhatsApp Number without Old Number? What Happens?

Elsa Updated on Oct 15, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

Got a new SIM card but can't access your old one anymore? Don't worry — you're not alone. Many WhatsApp users run into this when they switch carriers, lose or sell their old number.

The good news is, you can still change your WhatsApp number even if the old one's inactive.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do it without your old SIM, what happens after the switch, and what to do to recover your old WhatsApp account.

Choose Your Situation: Can You Still Access that WhatsApp Account?

Yes — You can change your number right away even if the old number is no longer active.Steps >>>
No — Not able to change your number. But you can try to recover your account. Or start fresh with a new number.

How to Change WhatsApp Number without Old Number?

It's quite simple to change the WhatsApp number if you have everything ready. You should first meet the following necessary things before making the move.

You can access your WhatsApp account that is linked to your old number.
Ensure the device you are logged into that account on is the primary device, not the connected device.
The new phone number is active and can receive SMS or calls.

Steps for switching your WhatsApp number

Step 1.Open WhatsApp that you've logged in with your old phone number.
Step 2.Go to the "Settings" tab (tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner if you are using Android).
Step 3.Click on "Account > Change phone number."
Step 4.Then, provide your old phone number and your new one.

Step 5.Select if you need to notify contacts or not.
Step 6.Confirm the process by entering the code sent to your new number.

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If I Change My Number on WhatsApp, What Happens?

After changing your WhatsApp number, here's what could happen:

Your WhatsApp chats and contacts remain unchanged.
If your new number is already in use with WhatsApp on another phone, that account will be logged out and its chat history won't merge with yours.
Previously linked devices, passkey, and two-step verification are reset.
Your contacts need to open a new chat when they first message your new number.
People cannot find you on WhatsApp through the old number.

How to Recover Your Old WhatsApp Account

In case you lost your account with that old phone number, then you won't be able to switch your WhatsApp number to a new one. Then, what can you do to recover your account or your data?

1.Call your mobile provider and request a new SIM card with the same phone number.
2.After that, sign in to WhatsApp with that number.
3.If the backup is still there, you're able to recover your old chats from it.

Keep in mind that what you can restore on WhatsApp depends on your most recent backup. Also, make sure your device is signed in to the same Google or Apple account used for that backup.

FAQs about WhatsApp Account

Can I change my WhatsApp number to an existing account?

Yes, you can change your WhatsApp number to one that's already registered on another device. When you do so, WhatsApp will send a 6-digit code to the device logged into that account instead of via SMS. But keep in mind that the chats of the two accounts won't merge — and usually, only the chat history from the current device will be kept.

Why is WhatsApp not letting me change my number?

If there is no "Change phone number" option on your WhatsApp, it is because you're using WhatsApp on a companion device. If the old number cannot be changed, then it might be a VoIP number, the number doesn't match, etc.

Can I have two WhatsApp accounts with the same number?

No. Officially, each WhatsApp account is tied to one unique phone number. To own a second WhatsApp account, you need to register it with a new phone number.

How to recover WhatsApp messages from an old phone?

First, access that old device or the device with the same Google account or iCloud account. Then, use the same phone number as the old phone to log into WhatsApp. Once that, tap "Restore" when WhatsApp prompts you to restore from your previous Google Drive or iCloud backup.

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Elsa

Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.

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