6 simple steps to move your WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone

Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone can be stressful, especially when it comes to keeping years of WhatsApp chats. If you’re wondering how to transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone, Apple’s ecosystem makes direct migration tricky, and many third-party apps that claim to help often raise privacy concerns. Fortunately, there is a safe, built-in method you can use.

This guide walks you step-by-step through preparing your devices, setting up your iPhone, and securely moving your WhatsApp data using the Move to iOS app.

What You’ll Need

• A stable internet connection (preferably WiFi)
• A fully charged Android device
• A fully charged iPhone
• (Optional) A Type-C–to–iPhone cable

1. Prepare Your iPhone for Migration

If your iPhone is brand-new and unused, you can skip directly to setup.
If you’ve already started using it, you’ll need to back up your iPhone and erase it.

How to Back Up Before Resetting

1. Open Settings → General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Get Started and back up your data to iCloud.
4. When the backup is complete, choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Your iPhone is now ready to accept incoming data.

2. Set Up Your iPhone

1. Turn on your iPhone and choose your language and appearance.
2. On the Quick Start screen, select Set Up Without Another Device.
3. Connect to the same WiFi network as your Android phone.
4. Continue through the setup prompts:
   • Read the Data & Privacy notice.
   • Indicate who the device belongs to.
   • Set up Face ID (or skip).
   • Create a passcode.
5. When you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data, select From Android.

3. Prepare Your Android Device

To avoid interruptions during transfer:

Stabilize Your WiFi Connection

• Turn on Airplane mode.
• Re-enable only WiFi.
• Disable automatic switching for previously used networks.

Keep the Screen Awake

• Go to Display Settings.
• Set Screen Timeout to the highest value.

Install Move to iOS

• Download Move to iOS from the Google Play Store.
• Place both phones side by side.

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4. Start the Migration Process

1. Open Move to iOS on your Android phone.
2. Read and accept the terms of agreement.
3. On your iPhone, tap Continue on the “Move to iOS” screen.
4. A one-time code will appear — enter it on your Android device.
5. Your Android phone will connect to a temporary WiFi network created by the iPhone.

5. Select What to Transfer

You can choose to migrate everything or specific items only.

To move your WhatsApp data:

1. On the Transfer Data screen, toggle WhatsApp.
2. WhatsApp will launch automatically with a prompt to export your data.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the transfer.

Important:

• You can transfer only one WhatsApp account.
• This method does not support WhatsApp Business.
• If you skip WhatsApp during this process, you cannot transfer it later without wiping the iPhone again.

6. Complete Setup

• After WhatsApp finishes exporting your data, you’ll return to the Move to iOS screen.
• Tap Continue and allow the rest of your data to transfer.
• Finish setting up your iPhone.
• Open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number you used on Android.
• Your chats and media will appear after restoration.