Some time ago, you were one of the many folks who’ve been pondering whether to change your WhatsApp number, aren’t you?
Now, changing your WhatsApp number is a substantial move with many pros and cons.
Before you decide, it’s critical to weigh these factors to make the best decision. That’s where we come in. We’re breaking down the disadvantages and advantages of making this change.
How does WhatsApp use phone numbers?
WhatsApp uses your phone number just like how an email service uses your email address. It’s the primary identifier of your account.
Unlike other messaging apps that rely on user-created usernames, WhatsApp streamlines the process by directly linking your account to your phone number.
When you sign up for WhatsApp, it verifies your phone number by sending a code via SMS. Once verified, your phone number becomes synonymous with your WhatsApp account.
Every conversation, every photo sent, and every group joined is tied to that phone number. Anyone who wants to reach you on WhatsApp needs your phone number.
Now, if you’re contemplating, “What will happen if I change my WhatsApp number to another number?” here’s the crux of it: your WhatsApp identity, tied to your old number, will transition to the new one.
Your account info, groups, and settings get migrated to the new number.
However, the chat history remains on your phone, linked to the old number, unless you use the “Change Number” feature in WhatsApp settings.
Disadvantages of Changing WhatsApp Number
Here are the disadvantages you should be aware of;
Disadvantage 1: The Need to Inform Contacts
Switching your WhatsApp number means informing all your contacts about this change. Although WhatsApp offers a feature to notify contacts, it only applies to those you’ve recently interacted with.
This process can be both time-consuming and potentially disruptive to your regular communications.
Disadvantage 2: Losing Chat Histories
Changing your WhatsApp number without following the correct steps might result in losing your chat history.
Unless correctly migrated using the “Change Number” feature, your past conversations remain linked to your old number. Thus, the risk of losing chat histories is a significant downside.
Disadvantage 3: Group Admin Transfer Issues
When you switch numbers, the group chats you admin may pose challenges. WhatsApp doesn’t automatically transfer admin rights to your new number.
You must manually assign admin privileges to your new number for each group. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient, particularly if you manage numerous groups.
Disadvantage 4: Resynchronizing WhatsApp Backup
After changing your WhatsApp number, resynchronizing your backup can become a headache. While WhatsApp does offer backup and restore options, the transition isn’t always seamless.
You might need to manually back up your chats before changing your number and then restore them to the new number. This process can be a hassle, especially if you have a lot of data to back up.
Disadvantage 5: Possible Privacy Concerns
When changing your WhatsApp number, you might face privacy issues. Once released by your service provider, your old number could be reassigned to a new user.
This new user, possessing your old number, could receive messages intended for you, leading to unwanted privacy breaches.
Disadvantage 6: Contact Confusion
A major issue when changing your WhatsApp number is contact confusion. Friends, family, or colleagues might continue to send messages to your old number, unaware of the change.
This could lead to missed messages or important information being lost.
Disadvantage 7: Reverification Hurdles
When you change your WhatsApp number, re-verification is required.
This process involves validating your new number via an SMS code, which can be inconvenient, especially if issues are receiving the SMS or your new number is associated with a foreign carrier while traveling.
Advantages of Changing Your WhatsApp Number
Below are the advantages you can look into;
Advantage 1: Fresh Start
Changing your WhatsApp number can provide a fresh start. Whether you’re looking to declutter your chat list or want to leave behind unsolicited messages, a new number can be the reset button you need.
It allows you to start anew, with control over who has your new contact.
Advantage 2: Maintaining Consistent Contact Information
Changing your WhatsApp number is advantageous if you’ve changed your actual phone number. This way, you maintain consistency between your contact information across various platforms.
This is beneficial, especially for people who use WhatsApp for business communications, ensuring seamless continuity.
Advantage 3: Enhancing Privacy
Changing your WhatsApp number can enhance your privacy if you’ve been receiving unwanted messages or if your number fell into the wrong hands.
It allows you to control who has access to your new number, providing an extra layer of security against unsolicited communication or harassment.
Advantage 4: Geographic Consistency
Changing your WhatsApp number can offer geographic consistency, which is particularly useful if you’ve moved to a different country.
You may avoid international calling or messaging charges by using a local number. It also allows local contacts to reach you easily without dialing an international number.
Advantage 5: Evading WhatsApp Ban
If your old number has been banned from WhatsApp due to violating their terms of service, changing your number could be a way to regain access to the platform.
While it’s important to comply with WhatsApp’s rules, a new number gives you a second chance to maintain good conduct.
Advantage 6: Unwanted Group Exits
Changing your WhatsApp number can be straightforward to exit unwanted groups without notifying others.
A new number provides an escape route from groups you’ve been added to without your consent, as your old number would be removed automatically from those groups.
Advantage 7: Evading Stalkers
If you’ve been bothered by a persistent stalker on WhatsApp, changing your number can be a simple and effective solution.
Obtaining a new number makes it difficult for the stalker to contact you, thus preserving your peace of mind.
Advantage 8: Control Over Contacts
Lastly, changing your WhatsApp number offers better control over who has your contact information.
It allows you to filter out unwanted contacts and only share your new number with those you trust or need to maintain communication with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What will happen if I change my WhatsApp number to another number?
When you change your WhatsApp number, your account information, groups, and settings are migrated to the new number.
You’ll need to notify your contacts about this change and ensure your chat history is correctly migrated to avoid data loss.
Q2. Will my contacts know if I change my WhatsApp number?
WhatsApp provides a feature to notify your contacts about your number change. However, this only applies to contacts you’ve recently interacted with.
You might need to inform other contacts about your new number manually.
Q3. How do you know if someone changed their WhatsApp number?
If a contact changes their WhatsApp number, you might notice their chat histories abruptly disappear, or you might receive a notification if they have chosen to inform you via WhatsApp’s change number feature.
Q4. Can I switch back to my old number on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can switch back to your old number if it is still available and not used on another WhatsApp account.
The process is the same as changing to a new number. Be sure to notify your contacts to prevent any confusion.
Q5. Can I use my old and new numbers simultaneously on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does not support multi-number usage on the same device. However, if you have two devices, you can use the new number on one device and the old number on the other.
Conclusion
Switching your WhatsApp number comes with both advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh carefully.
While you can gain privacy, start afresh, and maintain consistency, it also involves challenges like the potential loss of chat history, the need to inform contacts, and possible issues with group admin privileges.
Before deciding to change your WhatsApp number, it’s crucial to understand these implications to ensure a smooth transition.
Ultimately, the decision to change your number depends on your individual circumstances. We hope that this comprehensive guide assists you in making an informed choice.
