rooting - Ways to retain nonexistent WhatsApp number

All this while, I've been using WhatsApp with an old cellphone number which is now defunct. I now plan to switch over to a new phone. This means that I'll need to freshly install WhatsApp, but the catch here is can no longer use the old number because it's going to try sending the verification code which is never going to reach. Any ideas how to go about this?

1. I will finally need to update the new number in WhatsApp.


2. Have to root the phone and move the titanium backup copy from the old device to the new one and gamble with it. I don't think this option is going to play out too well.

Answer

Directly from the Whatsapp FAQ:

Requirements:

• The number you wish to use (the number you will change your account to) must be able to receive SMS and/or calls and have an active data connection.

On the old phone:

• Open WhatsApp.


• Go to Menu Button > Settings > Account > Change number.


• Enter the number currently verified on WhatsApp in the old phone number box.


• Enter the number you want to use in the new phone number box.


• Complete the verification process.



• Create a manual backup by going to WhatsApp > Menu Button > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Backup.

On the new phone:

• Transfer your chat history from your old to your new phone.


• Open WhatsApp.


• Verify the number you want to use with WhatsApp

Important Notes: