WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It relies on your phone number as the unique identifier for your account. So what happens if you let your phone number expire or otherwise lose access to it?
The short answer is that you will lose access to your WhatsApp account and all of its messages and data. However, there are some steps you can take to try and retain or recover your account.
What happens when your number expires
When your phone number expires or is reassigned to someone else, WhatsApp automatically disconnects that number. This kicks off a 45 day grace period where your account remains inactive but intact.
During this time, you will not be able to use WhatsApp since you no longer have access to the associated phone number. Your profile name will still show up in your friends and group contacts with “Expired account” underneath it.
If you reactivate your number within 45 days, you can regain access to your account by simply verifying your number again in WhatsApp. All your messages and groups will still be there.
However, after 45 days of inactivity, your WhatsApp account is deleted along with all of its data. Your contacts will no longer see your profile name or number. It will be as if the account never existed.
So in summary:
– Immediately loses functionality when number expires
– 45 day grace period before account deletion
– Regain access if number is reactivated within 45 days
– Permanently deleted after 45 days of no activity
Ways to try and recover your account
If your number has already expired, all hope is not lost. Here are some steps you can take to try and recover or regain access to your WhatsApp account:
Contact your carrier – If it’s within the 45 day window, contact your phone carrier and see if they can reactivate your old number. This will let you verify it again in WhatsApp.
Use a new SIM card – If reactivation is not possible, you may be able to recover your account by inserting a new SIM card into the same device. WhatsApp’s verification process may recognize your device and restore your account.
Email WhatsApp support – WhatsApp has an email address for account support issues. Explain your situation and they may be able to migrate your account to a new number.
Restore from Google Drive backup – If you had WhatsApp backup enabled in Google Drive, you may be able to restore your messages after verifying your number again.
Third party tools – Some third party apps claim to be able to extract your WhatsApp data from a phone even without number verification. Handle with care.
While the above methods may work, there is no guarantee. The more time passes, the less likely recovery becomes. So act swiftly if your number does expire.
How to avoid losing your account
Here are some proactive steps you can take to avoid having your WhatsApp account deleted if your number expires:
1. Set reminders to renew your prepaid plan or pay your phone bill on time. Avoid interruptions in service.
2. Add an alternative number like Google Voice that forwards to your main number. You can verify it as a backup.
3. Regularly back up your WhatsApp messages and media to Google Drive or local storage.
4. Enable Two-Step Verification for added security requiring a PIN to verify your number.
5. Make sure you remember the email address used for your WhatsApp account in case you need to contact support.
6. Know your account delete date – WhatsApp shows this under Settings > Account > Delete my account.
Can someone else use my old number?
Yes, once your phone number is recycled and issued to a new customer, they can use it to verify a new WhatsApp account. Your number is no longer associated with your account after 45 days.
The new user cannot see any of your old WhatsApp messages or groups. But your contacts who haven’t updated your info could mistakenly message the wrong person.
To avoid mix-ups, inform your WhatsApp connections if you have to change numbers and can no longer be reached at your old one. Make sure to give them your new contact details.
Is there any way to retrieve my deleted account?
Unfortunately, no. Once the 45 day inactive period has passed, your WhatsApp account is permanently deleted along with your message history, groups, and media.
This information is not stored by WhatsApp and there is no way to retrieve an account that has surpassed the deletion date. Even WhatsApp support will not be able to restore it.
Your only option is to start a brand new WhatsApp account using a different phone number. You will have to re-add all your contacts and groups manually.
Can I reuse my old number on WhatsApp?
If you are able to reactivate your old phone number within 45 days, then yes, you can reuse it to regain access to your WhatsApp account.
Simply install WhatsApp and verify the number when prompted. Your account should automatically be restored with your messages intact.
However, if your number has already been deleted from WhatsApp for more than 45 days, you cannot reuse it anymore. Even if you manage to recycle the old number, it will only allow you to create a new account.
The previous one associated with that number is gone forever along with all its data. You cannot resurrect it by reusing the old number.
Should I inform my WhatsApp contacts about my number change?
Yes, it’s a good idea to let your WhatsApp contacts know if you have to change your phone number for any reason.
Here are some ways you can inform them to update your number in their address books:
– Change your WhatsApp profile name to include your new number
– Send a broadcast message to your contacts announcing the change
– Create a WhatsApp group with your main contacts informing them
– Record an WhatsApp voice note explaining the situation
– Email or SMS your contacts asking them to update your info
This will avoid confusion if they try messaging your old number which may now belong to someone else. Keeping your contacts updated ensures you don’t lose touch on WhatsApp.
Can I verify my account on multiple devices?
WhatsApp currently allows you to use one account across up to 4 linked devices simultaneously. However, you can only verify an account with one number at a time.
Your primary device must always have the SIM card with your phone number in it for initial verification. After that, you can link up additional devices like computers by scanning a QR code.
But if you verify your number on a new device, it will automatically log you out of the previous linked devices. Each number can only be actively linked to one account at a time.
You cannot verify the same number on different accounts simultaneously. You must unlink devices before verifying your number elsewhere.
Is there a time limit to restore my account if I get my number back?
Yes, you only have 45 days to restore your WhatsApp account if you regain access to your phone number.
The 45 day countdown starts from the moment your number is disconnected from WhatsApp after expiration or non-payment.
If you are able to reactivate the number within this grace period, you can simply verify it again and your account will be restored.
However, after 45 days have elapsed, your WhatsApp account is permanently deleted. Even if you get your old number back after that, you cannot revive the deleted account.
The number has been dissociated and can only be used for a new account. So act fast within 45 days if you want to recover your existing WhatsApp data.
What about my WhatsApp Web sessions?
Your linked WhatsApp Web sessions will also stop working once your phone number expires or is unverified.
WhatsApp Web relies on an active mobile connection to sync messages. If your mobile account is non-functional, WhatsApp Web will show an error asking you to link the account again.
Your chat history will remain intact on WhatsApp Web during the 45 day grace period in case your mobile account is restored.
However, after your mobile account is deleted, your WhatsApp Web sessions are also removed and cannot be recovered. You would need to start fresh.
Can I export my chat history before deletion?
Yes, before your account is permanently deleted after 45 days, you can export and save your WhatsApp chat history:
– Email Chat History – Go to Settings > Chats > Email Chat History to export an email backup.
– Google Drive Backup – Enable Google Drive backup in Settings to upload your chats.
– Local Backup – Use a third party app to create a local backup on your phone or computer.
Once your account is deleted, these backups will be your only record of your messaging history. Back up important chats before it’s too late.
Is my media and files deleted as well?
Yes, your WhatsApp media and files sent and received are also deleted when your account is erased after 45 days of inactivity.
The only way to preserve them is to back up your media to Google Drive or another storage method before the deletion date.
Otherwise, all images, videos, documents, voice messages, and other files exchanged on WhatsApp will be permanently lost.
Can I tell if my number is about to expire?
WhatsApp provides a couple ways to check if your phone number is nearing expiration:
– Account delete date – Visible in Settings > Account > Delete my account. Shows expiration.
– Verification notifications – WhatsApp may send warnings that your number will soon expire.
– Carrier account – Check your carrier account details for expiration dates.
– Service interruptions – You may experience connectivity issues if your service lapses.
Monitoring these signs lets you renew on time and avoid losing your number or interrupted WhatsApp access.
What happens if I switch mobile networks?
Switching mobile networks or carriers does not directly affect your WhatsApp account. As long as you keep the same mobile number, you can continue using your WhatsApp as usual.
However, be sure to port your number properly during the transition so that service is uninterrupted. A lag in transferring your number can cause temporary verification issues.
Also double check that your new carrier does not recycle your old number. Maintain ownership of your mobile number when you switch networks to avoid WhatsApp disruption.
Can I temporarily deactivate my account?
WhatsApp does not offer an official way to temporarily deactivate or pause your account while maintaining your chat history.
If you need a break from WhatsApp, your options are:
– Uninstall the app – Your account remains active but inaccessible on that device. You will not receive messages until you reinstall WhatsApp and verify your number again.
– Delete your account – You can delete within WhatsApp but your account will be gone forever after 45 days.
– Change settings – Mute notifications, disable auto-download, and restrict who can see your information.
– Let others know – Inform contacts you need some time away from WhatsApp messaging.
But there is no built-in vacation mode or way to freeze your account while preserving its data. It’s either all or nothing.
WhatsApp Account Recovery FAQs
Can I recover my deleted WhatsApp account?
No, once your WhatsApp account is deleted after 45 days of inactivity, there is no way to recover it. The associated chat history, groups, and media are all permanently erased.
I lost my phone. How do I recover my WhatsApp?
Install WhatsApp on your new phone and verify your number. As long as your number is still active, your account and chat history can be restored. If your number has been reassigned, recovery is difficult.
Is there any way to access a dead person’s WhatsApp account?
No, you cannot access a deceased person’s WhatsApp account without their phone and verification code. WhatsApp does not provide access to next of kin or anyone else in such cases.
Can I export my child’s WhatsApp chat history if they lose their phone?
Yes, with your child’s cooperation you can export their WhatsApp chat history via email or Google Drive backup before they lose access to their old phone number and account.
Someone is using my old number on WhatsApp. What can I do?
Not much, since they are now the rightful owner of that phone number. You should inform your contacts to no longer message your old number and update their info with your new active number.
Conclusion
Losing access to your phone number can cut off your WhatsApp account and all of its associated data. Make sure to take preventative measures like backing up your chat history.
If your number does expire or change, act swiftly within 45 days to try and recover your account by reactivating the number. Otherwise, your WhatsApp will be permanently deleted with no possibility of retrieval.
Maintaining continuous service on your phone number is crucial for uninterrupted WhatsApp access. Monitor your account for expiration warnings and renew your plan on time. With some diligence, you can avoid the headache of having to rebuild your account from scratch.