There’s nothing more exciting than upgrading to a new phone until you realize your WhatsApp chats, voice notes, and favorite memes are stuck on the old one.
For years, moving WhatsApp between Android and iPhone was almost impossible. Android stored backups in Google Drive, while iPhone relied on iCloud, leaving users frustrated or forced to use risky third-party apps.
The good news? That’s history. Thanks to official support from WhatsApp, Google, and Apple, you can now move your chats, photos, and videos safely between Android and iPhone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for both directions.
How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone
If you’re moving from Android to iPhone, WhatsApp lets you use Apple’s Move to iOS app.
Requirements:
- iPhone: Must be running iOS 15.5 or later
- Android: Must be on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
- WhatsApp: Latest version installed on both devices
- Phone Number: Same number used on both phones
- iPhone Setup: Must be new or factory reset (since data is transferred during setup)
- Connectivity: Both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or the Android must connect to the iPhone’s hotspot during transfer
- Power: Keep both devices charged or plugged in throughout the process.
Steps:
- On your Android, install Move to iOS from the Google Play Store.
- Turn on your iPhone. During setup, select Apps & Data and choose Move Data from Android.
- On Android, open Move to iOS and enter the code displayed on your iPhone.
- Select WhatsApp as the data to transfer.
- Tap Continue and let WhatsApp prepare your chats and media.
- On your iPhone, download WhatsApp > log in with the same number > tap Restore.
Your chats, media, and voice notes should now appear on your iPhone.
How to Transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android
If you’re switching to Android, WhatsApp supports direct migration for Samsung, Pixel, and most devices running Android 12 or later.
Requirements:
- Android device with Android 12+
- iPhone with iOS 15.5 or later
- Latest WhatsApp version on both devices
- USB-C to Lightning cable (or adapter)
- Same phone number
Steps:
- Connect your iPhone and Android with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
- On your Android, start the setup and choose Copy apps & data.
- A QR code will appear; scan it using your iPhone camera.
- WhatsApp will launch; tap Start to export chats.
- Finish setup on your Android and install WhatsApp.
- Log in with the same number > restore chats and media.
Before you begin, remember that WhatsApp backups don’t merge; once you transfer, the new backup replaces the old one entirely.
It is highly recommended to create a backup before starting, even though the transfer process itself doesn’t rely on Google Drive or iCloud.
To avoid interruptions, keep both devices plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi throughout the process. If you’ve already set up your new iPhone or Android, you may need to reset it to factory settings since the transfer only works during initial setup.
