In November we gave you information about number exchange in connection with WhatsApp: If you get a new cell phone number, you should definitely pay attention to one small but very important fact about WhatsApp.

Anyone who gets a new cell phone number should be careful: the old number doesn't end up in the virtual trash somewhere - it can be used again by the cell phone provider.

the essentials in brief

  • Do you use WhatsApp and get another cell phone with a different number?
  • Be sure to re-register your number on WhatsApp!
  • Otherwise, strangers may still be able to see old information about you.

Since a WhatsApp account is tied to the number, if your carrier reassigns your old number, someone out there would be able to access your old account!

WhatsApp itself states that the account information would be deleted after 45 days if verified - but what if the old number is back on the market more quickly?

Source: checked4you
Source: checked4you

Two possibilities

You probably don't like that so much, so you have to take action: The account must either deleted completely - or the number will be re-registered . There are menu items for both in the settings under “Account”, as you can see in the screenshot.

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If you want to change the number, it is best to wait until the new number is already active. You then have to enter the old and new numbers, and finally the old account information such as profile photo or groups will be transferred. Then it should no longer be possible to misuse the old number later.

Whether you want to delete them or not may also depend on whether you want to keep all WhatsApp contacts and groups - or if you want to use the opportunity to “clean up” your contacts a bit. Maybe not all previous contacts should get the new number...?

You might also be interested in: Security vulnerability in WhatsApp confirmed – be sure to update now!

Source: checked4you


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Notes:
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