Have you been using WhatsApp on an Android smartphone and are now transitioning to an iPhone? Until recently, the biggest hurdle was moving WhatsApp data from an Android device to an iOS device. There was no straightforward method, and users had to rely on third-party apps to make it happen. These methods were often unreliable and sometimes resulted in data loss. However, WhatsApp has listened to its users and rolled out official migration support between these two devices.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to help you move WhatsApp chats from an Android device to an iPhone.
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What information/data can you move from Android to iPhone?
If you’re moving from an Android phone to an iPhone, you can transfer most of your data. Your account information, profile photo, individual chats, group chats, communities, WhatsApp Channels updates, chat history, media, and settings are migrated to the iPhone. However, your call history, display name, and media received via WhatsApp Channels cannot be transferred during the process.
Note: It is important to note that transferring chats from an Android device to an iPhone on the WhatsApp Business app is currently not possible.
What preparation do you require?
- WhatsApp migration is supported with Android OS Lollipop, SDK 21 or above, or Android 5 or above installed on your Android device. On the other side, iOS 15.5 or above should be installed on your iPhone.
- Both of your devices must be connected to a power source.
- The Move to iOS app is required on your old Android phone. It is strictly advised to use the official app. Any other data migration apps will cause migration issues.
- You should have the latest WhatsApp iOS and Android versions installed on your phones. If an update is required, then it is advisable to update it first and then only go with data transfer.
- You have to use the same phone number as your old phone on your new device. Also, your iPhone must be brand new or reset to factory settings so it can pair with the Move to iOS app and move data from your Android phone.
- Finally, you need to ensure that both of your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If not, you can connect your Android device to your iPhone’s hotspot. This works perfectly for migration.
How to Move chats from Android to iPhone
As we mentioned earlier, the migration process has been quite easy with the Move to iOS app. You can follow the steps below:
- Launch the Move to iOS app on your old Android device and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Now you need to pair both devices, and for that, a code will be displayed on your iPhone. Enter the code on your Android phone when prompted.
- You need to tap the Continue button and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Here, you need to select WhatsApp on the Transfer Data screen.
- Next, you will tap on the Start button on your Android device and wait until WhatsApp prepares the data for migration. Once it is complete, you will be signed out from your old Android phone.
- Tap Next to return to the Move to iOS app.
- Tap Continue to transfer the data from your Android phone to your iPhone, and wait for Move to iOS to confirm the transfer is complete.
- Install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device.
- Tap Start when prompted, and allow the process to complete.
- Finish activating your new device, and you’ll see your chats waiting for you.
Note: You need to understand that going to Files and selecting the WhatsApp folder in the Move to iOS app isn’t supported during migration.
Final thoughts
WhatsApp’s official migration support has made switching from Android to iPhone much easier than before. As long as you meet the requirements and follow the steps correctly, you can safely move WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone without data loss.
Common FAQs
What happens to my data?
- Your data on your old Android smartphone will remain there unless you delete the WhatsApp application or wipe out your device.
- Also, you should know that transferred data doesn’t go to cloud storage. For that, you need to create an iCloud backup.
- WhatsApp can’t see the data you transfer, as it is completely encrypted at the user end.
What messages can I transfer to my new phone?
You can transfer all the personal messages to your new device. However, you can’t transfer peer-to-peer payment messages, as it is not supported at this time.
Can I transfer my call history?
No, WhatsApp call history can’t be transferred from an Android phone to an iPhone.
Do I need third-party apps to transfer WhatsApp chats?
No, third-party apps are not required. WhatsApp officially supports chat migration using Apple’s Move to iOS app.
