WhatsApp is a large social media platform with users from around the world. Over the years, it has evolved to match the needs of its users. However, one big issue that most platforms face during upgradation is approval. Updating a platform is essential for growth and maintenance; you must keep going forward to stay relevant. However, it’s important to remember that updates are for the users’ benefit. Even if, in theory, an upgrade brings nothing but value to a social media app, it has to appeal to the users, too.
A Prime example of this statement is the full-screen update launched by Instagram. The platform had high hopes for the update since it was similar to the reels feature. However, the response received was highly disappointing.
Even though Instagram gave the users time to get accustomed to the feature, it was a fiasco. Users from around the world protested loudly against the update. Many users asked for an “off” button and claimed that this feature was ripped off from TikTok. After a few days, the feature was officially rolled back.
In WhatsApp’s case, the read receipts were a cause of inconvenience for many users. While some users love the feature as it told them about the status of their message, others claimed it was a blatant invasion of privacy. Not everyone has the time to reply to messages as soon as they read them, right?
So, after many reviews, WhatsApp finally launched an update where users get to turn off their read receipts. If they use the feature, other users won’t be able to tell if their messages have been seen. But WhatsApp is nothing if not fair. If others can’t see your read receipts, you can’t see theirs, too.
Another place where WhatsApp had to do something similar was with the last seen and online statuses. The platform is slowly climbing the steps to ultimate privacy, but all users are offered a choice. Additionally, no user can simultaneously protect their privacy and invade others’ privacy. Isn’t that so great?
Another small detail on WhatsApp which makes the platform appear much more reliable is the status updates after any new feature launch. WhatsApp sends a tutorial video in the form of status updates so that users know how to operate the platform.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss whether or not your contacts will get notified if you change your number on WhatsApp. Stick with us until the end of this blog to learn all about it!
If I Change My Number on Whatsapp, Will My Contacts Get Notified?
WhatsApp is a large social media platform that didn’t get to where it is by violating its users’ privacy. So, your contacts will not get notified if you change your number on WhatsApp.
Well, not without your permission, anyway. You can choose to notify your contacts on WhatsApp about the change. In group chats, however, you won’t get the option; the participants will be notified regardless of whether or not you want them to.
If you don’t wish for your group chat participants to find out about your phone number change, all you need is to leave the group beforehand.
Let’s first talk about how you can change your phone number on WhatsApp without losing your existing account.
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Step 2: The first screen you’ll land on is the Chats page. At the top right, you’ll see a three-dots icon. Tap on it.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, tap on Settings. There, tap on Account and then on the third option called Change number.
Step 4: At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a small Next button. Tap on it.
Step 5: Here, you need to enter your previous and new phone numbers with your country code. This is to verify your phone numbers before proceeding.
Step 6: On the next page, you’ll see a toggle button with the words Notify contacts next to it. If you don’t want your friends to be notified, don’t turn it off. However, as you can read there, your groups will be notified anyway.
Step 7: All left is to enter the OTP (One Time Password) from both devices.
If you’re using the same device, you’ll also gain access to all your old chats!
How to turn off the read receipts on WhatsApp
Now that you’re all set on WhatsApp with your new number let’s discuss a few changes you can make and set up your account to your liking.
The sender knows when you see a message on WhatsApp because the two tiny ticks turn blue. You can stop this by turning off your read receipts. However, WhatsApp doesn’t believe in discrimination among its users and values their privacy. So, if others can’t see your read receipts, you can’t see theirs, too.
Another feature that comes in under read receipts is the story views. No one can tell whether or not you’ve seen their WhatsApp story. But on the flip side, you’ll also have no access to your status update viewers’ list. Doesn’t that sound like such a fair bargain?
We’d suggest going ahead and turning off the read receipts. Not only are they unimportant, but you also avoid hurting other people by not responding to them immediately.
If this sounds convenient to you, then learn how it’s done!
Here’s how to turn off read receipts on WhatsApp
Follow steps 1 and 2 from the last section.
Step 3: On the Settings page, tap on the first option called Account.
Step 4: Again, tap on the first item on the Account page called Privacy.
Step 5: Scroll down on the Privacy page to locate the option called Read receipts with a toggle button right next to it. By default, it is turned on. Turn it off, and you’re good to go.
In the end
As we end this blog, let’s recap all we’ve discussed today.
WhatsApp is a large social media platform that tries to make your experience more and more convenient. For example, you can easily change your phone number but not lose your current WhatsApp account.
So, if you change your phone number on WhatsApp, it’s advisable to let your contacts know. However, it’s not a hard and fast rule. If you don’t want your contacts to know about it, you can easily set that up, too!
Lastly, we discussed how you could turn off your read receipts. Not only are read receipts problematic when you can’t respond immediately, but they can also make you overthink.
If our blog has helped you, don’t forget to tell us all about it in the comments below!
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