What happens when you delete WhatsApp?

MESSAGING platform WhatsApp has become a huge part of daily life for many people since its launch in August 2009.

But what happens when you delete the app, and can you store your account? Here's all you need to know.

What happens when you delete WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family.

But it's all too easy to get overloaded by your smartphone, and from time to time we all need a break from social media.

So what happens if you decide to delete the app?

The first thing is to establish what we mean by "delete", as deleting your account is different from simply uninstalling the app.

If you uninstall WhatsApp, you will still have an account, and the messages will be waiting for you if reinstall the app and login (though on Apple devices you'll need to manually back up messages before uninstalling).

While if you delete your account, you're removed from the cloud backup, all your conversations are deleted, you'll have to register all over again, and build back all your contacts from scratch.

What do others see when you delete WhatsApp?

Your contacts won't be informed directly if you delete the app.

However, you'll automatically leave any group chat you're part of, which members of them will see.

Your profile picture will also disappear for other users, and will be replaced by WhatsApp's grey default profile picture image.

You'll also no longer be visible as a WhatsApp contact.

Can I restore my WhatsApp account after deleting it?

If you delete your account, your phone number will be unlinked from the app.

Additionally, all data connected to the account - including status, your profile image, and last seen - will be deleted.

Unfortunately, in order to use the app again, you'll have to set up a new account with a different phone number.