Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone? You can transfer your account information, profile photo, individual chats, group chats, communities, WhatsApp Channels updates, chat history, media, and settings. However, you cannot transfer your call history, display name, or media received via WhatsApp Channels.
Note: Transferring chats from an Android device to an iPhone is not supported on WhatsApp Business.
Requirements
- Android Device: OS Lollipop, SDK 21 or above, or Android 5 or higher.
- iPhone: iOS 15.5 or later.
- Move to iOS App: Installed on your Android phone. (Note: Using other data migration apps is unsupported and may cause issues.)
- WhatsApp: Latest version installed from the App Store on iPhone and Google Play Store on Android.
- Phone Number: Use the same number on your new iPhone as on your old Android device.
- iPhone Status: Must be factory new or reset to factory settings to pair with the Move to iOS app.
- Power Source: Both devices should be connected to power.
- Network Connection: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, or connect your Android device to your iPhone’s hotspot.
Steps to Move Chats from Android to iPhone
- Open Move to iOS App: Launch the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enter Code: A code will appear on your iPhone. Enter this code on your Android phone when prompted.
- Continue Process: Tap ‘Continue’ and follow the prompts.
- Select WhatsApp: On the Transfer Data screen, choose WhatsApp.
- Prepare Data: Tap ‘START’ on your Android phone and wait for WhatsApp to prepare the data for export. You will be signed out from your Android phone once the data is ready.
- Return to Move to iOS App: Tap ‘NEXT’ to go back to the Move to iOS app.
- Transfer Data: Tap ‘CONTINUE’ to start transferring data from your Android phone to your iPhone. Wait for confirmation that the transfer is complete.
- Install WhatsApp: Download the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Log In: Open WhatsApp and log in with the same phone number used on your old device.
- Complete Setup: Tap ‘Start’ when prompted and let the process finish. Your chats should now appear on your new iPhone.
Note: Do not attempt to manually select the WhatsApp folder in the Move to iOS app during the migration process, as this is not supported.
Data Handling
- Cloud Storage: Transferred data will not be stored in the cloud until you create an iCloud backup.
- Privacy: WhatsApp cannot access the data you transfer.
- Retention on Android: Your data will remain on your Android phone unless you delete WhatsApp or reset the device.
Transferable Messages
You can transfer personal messages. However, peer-to-peer payment messages cannot be transferred.
Call History
Your WhatsApp call history cannot be transferred from an Android phone to an iPhone.
Conclusion
Transferring your WhatsApp data from an Android device to an iPhone is a straightforward process when following the correct steps. By ensuring both devices meet the necessary requirements and using the Move to iOS app, you can successfully move your chats, media, and settings to your new iPhone. Remember to use the same phone number on your new device, and be aware of the limitations regarding call history and display names. This guide should help you make the transition smoothly, so you can continue your conversations without interruption.