If you’ve ever shopped around for a better phone tariff and put a new SIM in your phone without transferring your old number to it (this most likely applies to those of you with ‘disposable’ PAYG SIMs), you may find that people are having trouble getting hold of you. (Or they will anyway.) Also see: Best SIM-only deals.
This is because WhatsApp lists your old phone number rather than your new one, and your friends will be able to see your account only if they keep your old number on their phone or have an active conversation with you.
If you have recently changed your phone number but not told WhatsApp about the change, here’s what you should do.
How to change your WhatsApp number
Open the WhatsApp app and tap the three-dot icon at the top right corner. Choose Settings.
On the next screen choose Account.
Now choose Change number.
Tap Next at the top right corner of the screen.
Enter your old phone number, then your new phone number, and hit Done to save.
Read more useful WhatsApp tutorials:
How to send documents on WhatsApp: Share PDFs for free on WhatsApp How to make video calls (and group video calls) on WhatsApp How to read a WhatsApp message without the sender knowing How to avoid WhatsApp viruses, scams and hoaxes How to restore WhatsApp messages on a new phone How to use WhatsApp Web How to install WhatsApp on a tablet How to stop WhatsApp automatically saving photos, video and other media How to fix WhatsApp: What to do when you can’t connect to WhatsApp
Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter.
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
