Linked to a phone number
Currently, WhatsApp is still linked to a phone number. However, when the owner of that number passes away, WhatsApp remains active for a while, and relatives can still see the associated information and profile picture. Over time, though, since the account is no longer actively used by the original owner, an “inactivity status” is applied, which means not all WhatsApp features will continue to function.
Zo krijgen contactpersonen in groep apps automatisch berichten zoals ‘…xxxxx heeft de groep verlaten’ en zal de originele profielfoto na verloop van tijd niet meer te zien zijn maar veranderen in een grijs silhouet.
Do not cancel the phone number immediately!
An important tip is that nowadays you should not immediately cancel subscriptions or accounts, especially the phone and/or internet subscription of a deceased person.
WhatsApp and airplane mode
Some relatives put the deceased’s phone in airplane mode so that no new information comes into the phone. However, as long as the phone is still connected to the original Wi-Fi network with internet access, WhatsApp will continue to work. Chats can still come through, and you can still make and receive WhatsApp calls.
WhatsApp history changes on your phone
If the deceased’s phone subscription is canceled, your loved one’s chats on your own phone may automatically be altered and sometimes even deleted! Here’s how it works: after cancellation, the original phone number goes into a “quarantine” period with the provider for several months. Afterwards, the number is reassigned to a new customer. If that person also uses WhatsApp, you may see their profile picture instead of your loved one’s. There have even been cases where previous chats “spontaneously” disappeared on relatives’ phones.
WhatsApp support stops on older phones
Phones with Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older will no longer be able to use the messaging app starting January 1, 2025. Examples include the Samsung Galaxy S3 from 2012, and the Motorola Moto G and Sony Xperia Z from 2013. From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer work on the Apple iPhone 5s, 6 Plus, and 6s. You will need at least iOS 15.1 to continue using WhatsApp.
Preserving WhatsApp
To avoid losing important chats, we recommend saving significant and precious WhatsApp conversations. You can do this fairly easily yourself by exporting the chat and saving it as a text file.
For iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp and select the chat you want to save
- Tap the person’s name at the top of the screen
- Scroll all the way down and select “Export Chat”
- Choose whether to include media files, such as photos and videos
- Select how you want to send the file, for example, via email
For Android:
- Open WhatsApp and select the chat you want to save
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner
- Select “More” and then choose “Export Chat”
- Choose whether to include media files
- Select how you want to send the file, for example, via email
Whappbook.com
For a more polished result, you can also use the services of the Dutch Whappbook, which allows you to upload a chat history from your own phone and turn it into a beautiful book. This includes the original formatting of messages, date & time, emojis, and even photos. Use the code DLLWHAPP10 at checkout to get 10% off this service.
