You can change Viber number from the app by going to More > Settings > Account > Change phone number, then choosing whether you are changing only the number or changing both the number and the device. If you stay on the same phone, your Viber account usually keeps your chats, groups, contacts, and settings. If you move to a new phone, you should back up your chats first and restore them during setup.

The process is simple, but it is worth doing in the right order. A rushed phone number transfer can lead to missing chat history, failed verification, or confusion for contacts who still see your old number.

Before you change your Viber number

Make sure you can receive an SMS or phone call on your new number. Viber needs this to verify the change. You should also update the Viber app before starting, especially if you have not opened it in a while.

Quick checklist

Your new SIM or eSIM is active: You must be able to receive the verification code.
Your current Viber account is working: Open the app and check that your chats load normally.
Your app is updated: If needed, you can download viber again or update it from your app store.
Your chat backup is current: This matters most if you are moving to a new phone.
You know your device plan: Changing only the number is different from changing both the number and phone.

How to change Viber number on the same phone

Use this method when you are keeping the same device and only replacing your SIM, eSIM, or mobile number.

Open Viber on your phone.
Tap More.
Go to Settings.
Tap Account.
Select Change phone number.
Choose the option for changing your phone number on the same device.
Enter your new phone number, including the correct country code.
Confirm the number and wait for the verification code.
Enter the code if it is not filled in automatically.
Follow the final prompts to complete the change.

After verification, your Viber account is connected to the new number. Your existing chats should remain on the phone because you did not change devices.

How to change Viber number when moving to a new phone

If you are switching both your number and your device, take more care. The safest approach is to back up your chats on the old phone first, then activate Viber with the new number on the new phone.

Step 1: Back up chats on the old phone

Open Viber on the old phone.
Go to More > Settings > Account.
Find the backup option and create a fresh backup.
Wait until the backup finishes before removing the SIM or resetting the phone.

Backups are usually tied to your mobile operating system and cloud account. In practice, restoring from Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone is much more reliable than moving between Android and iPhone.

Step 2: Change the number or activate on the new phone

Install Viber on the new phone.
Open the app and enter your new phone number.
Verify the number by SMS or call.
When prompted, restore your chat backup if available.
Check your chats, groups, and contacts after setup finishes.

If the new device does not offer a restore option, check that you are signed in to the same cloud account used for the backup and that you are using the same operating system family.

Same phone vs new phone: what changes?

Situation	Best option in Viber	Chat history	Contacts and groups	Main risk
New number, same phone	Change phone number	Usually stays on the device	Usually remains available	Verification fails if the new number cannot receive codes
New number and new phone	Change phone number and device, or activate on new phone after backup	Depends on backup and restore	Groups and account data usually carry over after activation	Chat history may not restore if backup is missing or incompatible
New phone, same number	Activate Viber on the new phone	Requires backup restore	Account reconnects after verification	Old phone may be deactivated as the primary device
Changing between Android and iPhone	Proceed carefully and check backup limits	May not transfer fully	Account can be activated with verification	Cross-platform chat migration is limited

What happens to your chats, contacts, and groups?

Chats

If you change only the number on the same phone, your chat history should remain because the messages are still stored on that device. If you change devices, chat history depends on whether you made a backup and whether the new phone can restore it.

Contacts

Your Viber contacts are based partly on your phone address book and partly on Viber account data. After the number change, contacts who already have you saved may be able to see or receive an update depending on their app and privacy settings. It is still a good idea to personally tell important contacts, especially work clients, family members, or group admins.

How do I change my Viber phone number?

Groups and communities

Your group memberships usually remain linked to your account after a successful number change. You should still check important group chats after the transfer. If you manage large groups or Viber communities, confirm that your admin role and profile details look correct after the change.

Stickers, settings, and purchases

Most account-related items, such as profile information and sticker packs, should remain with the account after the number is changed. Device-specific settings may need to be adjusted again, especially after moving to a new phone.

Linked desktop or tablet devices

After changing your number or activating Viber on a new primary phone, linked desktop or tablet sessions may need to be reconnected. If Viber Desktop stops syncing, open Viber on your phone and link the device again using the QR code process.

Common problems and how to avoid them

No verification code arrives: Check the country code, signal, roaming status, and whether SMS or calls are blocked. Wait before requesting too many codes.
Chats are missing on the new phone: Confirm that a backup exists and that you are using the same cloud account and compatible device platform.
Contacts still see the old number: Ask them to refresh their address book or save your new number manually.
Desktop Viber stops working: Re-link it from the phone after your account is active.
You changed phones too early: If possible, go back to the old phone, create a backup, and try the restore process again.

Best practice for a smooth phone number transfer

The safest way to handle a phone number transfer is to keep the old phone available until everything is confirmed on the new number. Do not factory reset the old phone until you have checked your chats, groups, contacts, and linked devices.

If your chat history matters, treat backup as a required step, not an optional one. Number changes are usually easy; recovering unbacked-up messages is not.

FAQ

Can I change my Viber number without losing chats?

Yes, if you keep the same phone, your chats usually remain. If you move to a new phone, you need a recent backup and a successful restore.

Will my Viber contacts know I changed my phone number?

Some contacts may see an update through Viber, but you should still tell important contacts directly to avoid missed messages or confusion.

Do I need the old number to change my Viber number?

You mainly need access to the new number for verification. However, keeping the old phone and account active until the change is complete makes the process safer.

Can I transfer Viber chats from Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android?

Account activation is possible, but full chat restore between Android and iPhone can be limited. Check your backup options before switching platforms.

Where is the change phone number option in Viber?

Open Viber, tap More, then go to Settings > Account > Change phone number. Follow the prompts and verify your new number.