Can I transfer my WhatsApp account to a new virtual phone number?

Yes, you can transfer your WhatsApp account to a new virtual phone number by using WhatsApp's built-in number change feature and verifying the new number via SMS or call OTP.

Can I transfer WhatsApp to a virtual phone number?

WhatsApp allows users to change their registered phone number through its native feature found in the app settings. This process verifies the new number by sending a one-time password (OTP) via SMS or a voice call. Importantly, the new number can be a virtual phone number, as long as it can receive these messages or calls reliably.

However, WhatsApp's system checks number validity and can block some numbers if they are known to be from suspicious or frequently recycled sources. Therefore, choosing a reputable virtual number provider is crucial.

Step-by-step: How to change WhatsApp number to a virtual phone number

• Step 1 — Obtain a virtual phone number Use a trusted service like SMSVerifier’s WhatsApp virtual numbers to buy a phone number capable of receiving SMS OTP.
• Step 2 — Back up your WhatsApp data Ensure your chats and media are backed up via WhatsApp settings to Google Drive or iCloud before proceeding.
• Step 3 — Use WhatsApp’s change number feature In WhatsApp, navigate to Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter your old and new virtual phone numbers.
• Step 4 — Verify the new number WhatsApp will send an SMS or call with a verification code to your new virtual number. Retrieve this code from your SMSVerifier dashboard.
• Step 5 — Complete the process Enter the code in WhatsApp to confirm. Your account will now be linked to the new virtual phone number.

Does chat history transfer when changing numbers?

WhatsApp offers an option to migrate your chat history to the new number during the number change process, provided you are using the same device and have a proper backup.

This means your conversations, media, and group memberships usually remain intact after switching to a virtual number. However, if you switch devices or fail to back up your data, you risk losing chat history.

Choosing the right virtual number for WhatsApp verification

Not all virtual phone numbers are created equal, especially for WhatsApp verification. Here are key factors to consider:

Common issues and solutions when switching to a virtual number

Switching to a virtual number can sometimes encounter these typical problems:

• OTP not received: Check your dashboard for SMS delivery; try voice-call verification if available.
• Number flagged by WhatsApp: Use a different virtual number or provider if your chosen number is blocked.
• Verification timeout: Request the code again promptly; delays may cause expiry.

Risks and best practices using virtual numbers with WhatsApp

While virtual numbers offer flexibility, there are risks:

• Virtual numbers can be recycled or shared, leading to potential account recovery issues if others access the number later.
• WhatsApp may limit account features or temporarily block numbers suspected of spam or abuse.

For maximum reliability, use SMSVerifier's WhatsApp-compatible virtual phone numbers, which have a high delivery rate and clear terms for account security.