How to keep your WhatsApp number active (and what happens if it expires)

Once WhatsApp is set up, it runs over the internet and doesn't need the number day to day. But WhatsApp asks for a fresh code whenever you move to a new phone, reinstall the app, or sometimes for security checks. If the number is gone by then, you can't get the code, and you can lose access.

There's a second risk: phone numbers get reassigned. If your number goes to someone new and they register WhatsApp with it, your account on that number is signed out.

How to keep it active on Airsim

• Each number renews on its own date from your Airsim balance: $5.99 a month, or $59.88 a year.
• Keep enough on your balance before the renewal date. We email you before a renewal if your balance is short.
• Turn on auto top-up in Billing, and your saved card adds funds automatically when the balance runs low.
• Yearly numbers renew once a year, which means fewer dates to think about.

What happens if a renewal isn't paid

1. 1

   The number expires

   Codes stop arriving. You get an email and a notice in your dashboard straight away.

2. 2

   You have 72 hours to get it back

   The number shows a countdown. Press "Get it back" to restore it for a one-time $19.99 ($74.99 for a yearly number), which already includes the next period. We remind you along the way.

3. 3

   Then it's released for good

   When the countdown ends, the number can't be recovered and will eventually go to a new owner.

If you don't need it any more

Deleting a number stops it renewing, but it stays yours until the end of the period you've paid for, and you can reactivate it free until then. Before you let a number go, move WhatsApp to your new number with WhatsApp's Change Number feature (Settings → Account → Change number), so your chats and groups come with you.