When someone gets a new phone number and registers that number with WhatsApp, their contacts will receive a notification indicating that their number has changed. The WhatsApp new number notification is simple and straightforward, designed to clearly inform contacts that an existing contact has updated their phone number.
The Notification Message
The WhatsApp new number notification will appear as a message from the contact whose number has changed. The message will typically say “[Contact’s Name] is now using a new number” or “[Contact’s Name] changed their phone number”.
This message will be sent as a one-on-one chat message to all existing contacts who have the old number saved. It will not be posted as a status update or sent through any WhatsApp groups. The notification is sent privately and directly to each individual contact.
Identifying Information
The WhatsApp notification message will include the name of the contact whose number has changed. This makes it easy to identify who the message is referring to.
In some cases, the message may not include the contact’s name if that name isn’t saved in the recipient’s address book. In these cases, the notification may simply say “This number is now using a new number.”
The message will not include any details about what the new number actually is. To get those details, the recipient will need to reach out to the contact directly through a new chat.
Profile Photo
The WhatsApp new number notification will also include the profile photo of the contact whose number has changed. This further helps identify the contact if the name is not included or recognized.
Tapping on the profile photo will open up the chat with the new number, assuming the recipient has that new number saved in their contacts. If not saved, nothing will happen when tapping the photo.
Opening a New Chat
When receiving the WhatsApp notification about a contact’s new number, the simplest way to start chatting with them again is to tap on either their name or profile photo.
This will immediately open a new chat window with that contact’s new number. From there, you can send a message saying hello or asking what their new number is to get reconnected.
If you don’t have their new number saved in your phone’s contacts yet, the chat window will appear blank when opened through the notification message. All you’ll see is their profile photo and name. You can send a message to them anyway asking for the new number if you still want to reach out.
New Number Privacy
Note that WhatsApp is designed to protect users’ privacy when they get a new number. The notification message will not reveal the new phone number itself.
The only way to get the new number is to have the contact directly provide it to you in a WhatsApp message or outside of WhatsApp. The notification alone will not give the number away.
Possible Confusion
One thing to keep in mind is that if you don’t have the contact’s new number saved in your phone already, the WhatsApp notification could cause confusion. Since it doesn’t include the actual new number, you don’t have a way to immediately start chatting with them.
To avoid this confusion, it’s best to ask the contact for their new number directly as soon as you’re aware they’ve changed it. That way you can save the new number and seamlessly continue your WhatsApp chats.
Verification Process
After registering a new number with WhatsApp, the user has to complete a verification process before notifications are sent out. This involves SMS or voice verification of the new number.
Once verified, WhatsApp will automatically send the new number notification to all existing contacts saved under the old number. The user doesn’t have to manually notify each contact or group.
Managing Contacts
When you receive a new number notification, you’ll probably want to update the contact’s details in your phone’s address book. Here are some tips for managing that process:
- Delete the old number and save the new number provided by your contact.
- Update the contact’s WhatsApp chat info to show their profile photo and new number.
- Check any WhatsApp groups you share with that contact and make sure their info is updated there too.
- You may want to drop them a message confirming you’ve saved their new number.
New Device Notification
Something that looks similar but is different from the new number notification is when a contact starts using WhatsApp on a new device.
In this case, the message will say “[Contact’s Name] is using WhatsApp on a new device.” This simply means they’ve installed WhatsApp on a new phone, tablet, or computer linked to their same number.
WhatsApp Web/Desktop Notifications
You may also see WhatsApp notifications when contacts use WhatsApp Web/Desktop. These messages look like “[Contact’s Name] is using WhatsApp on a web browser” or desktop browser.
These notifications are normal and simply mean the contact is chatting through the web-based version of WhatsApp tied to their mobile account and number.
Dealing with Spam
Very rarely, spam messages can be sent that seem to indicate a contact has a new number. For example, you may see a message like “[Contact’s Name] is using a new number. Message them on [sketchy link].”
These types of messages should be treated with extreme caution, as they are likely phishing attempts trying to get you to reveal personal information. Do not click any links and instead reach out to the contact through existing channels to verify if they really have a new number.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp new number notification provides a simple, straightforward way for your contacts to inform you when they update their mobile number. By including the contact’s name and profile photo, you can easily identify who the message is referring to.
To start chatting with them again on the new number, simply tap their name or photo to open up a new chat. Keep in mind you’ll need to get the actual new number directly from your contact since it isn’t included in the notification. With this information, you can seamlessly communicate via WhatsApp even when numbers change.
Here is a summary of the key points about the WhatsApp new number notification:
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Message content | “[Name] is now using a new number” or “[Name] changed their phone number” |
| Identifying info | Includes contact name and profile photo |
| Visibility | Sent as private, 1-on-1 chat message |
| New number | Does not reveal the actual new number |
| Starting a chat | Tap name/photo to open chat with new number |
| User verification | Contacts must verify number before notifications sent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the contact have to do anything to send the notification?
No, the WhatsApp new number notification is sent automatically once they register their new number. The user does not have to manually send notifications.
What if I don’t recognize the name on the notification?
If you don’t recognize the contact name, reach out to ask who they are. It’s possible your phone doesn’t have their name saved or the name is spelled incorrectly.
Can I turn off these notifications?
There is no setting to disable new number notifications within WhatsApp. The only way is to block the contact completely, but then you won’t get any of their messages.
Why doesn’t WhatsApp provide the new number in the message?
To protect users’ privacy, WhatsApp designed these notifications not to reveal the actual phone number. You have to get the new number directly from the contact.
I lost my phone – how do I tell contacts my new number?
You’ll have to notify all your contacts manually through phone, email, or other messaging apps. WhatsApp can only automatically notify them when you verify ownership of your old number.
Can I get notifications if I don’t have the contact’s number saved?
Yes, you can still get new number notifications from WhatsApp contacts who aren’t saved in your phone’s contacts list.
Do groups get the new number notification?
No, the WhatsApp notification is only sent as an individual message to each contact, not posted in group chats.
This covers the main things to know about the WhatsApp new number notification. The key takeaways are:
- It includes the contact’s name and profile photo
- It doesn’t reveal the actual new number
- Tapping the name/photo opens a chat with the new number
- The user must verify ownership before it’s sent
- It provides a seamless way to inform all your contacts of a number change
Knowing how these notifications work makes it easy to stay in touch on WhatsApp even when you or your contacts change phone numbers.