For a long time, the switch from Android to iPhone was fairly easy, with one notable exception: WhatsApp. The popular messaging service made it nearly impossible to export your messages and load them onto your iPhone. Most frustratingly, you could create backups in the app itself, but not transfer them across platforms.
Fortunately, that recently changed and you can now import your old conversations when setting up a new iPhone. With the launch of version 2.22.10.70 on iOS, WhatsApp finally lets you transfer your messages. Here are the steps you need to move your WhatsApp chats and messages from Android to iOS.
What do I need?
There are a few things you will need before you can make the transfer.
On your Android phone:
Android 5 or laterMove to iOS appWhatsApp version 2.22.7.74 or laterConnected to a power sourceConnected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone (or connected to the iPhone’s hotspot)
On your iPhone:
iOS 15.5 or later WhatsApp version 2.22.10.70 or later Same phone number as your Android phone (same SIM card) iPhone must be factory reset or new as it must connect to Move to iOS app on Android Connected to a power source Connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Android phone (or use its hotspot with the Android device)
Apple
How to move your WhatsApp chat history from Android to iPhone
Moving your messages is now a quick and easy task. Here’s what to do.
Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the instructions. You should be prompted to connect to your iPhone by entering a code number. Tap Continue and follow the prompts until you reach the Transfer data screen. Here you will see WhatsApp as an option. Select it and tap Start to start collecting your data. When it’s done, you’ll see that you’re signed out of WhatsApp on your Android phone. Tap Next to continue. Go back to the Move to iOS app. Tap the Continue button and all your data should be transferred to the iPhone. On your iPhone, insert your Android phone’s SIM card, if you haven’t already done so. Open WhatsApp and log in to your account (make sure you have the same phone number as on your Android phone). When you see the Start button appear, tap it and your data should load on your new device. Complete the installation on your iPhone. Once everything is in place, you should see that your WhatsApp messages are all present and correct.
Do you want to use Whatsapp on your iPad? Read: How to get WhatsApp on iPad.
Now you are free to continue your chats on your new iPhone, but if you are not sure what to do with the Android device, check out how to sell, donate and recycle your old electronics guide on our sister site Tech Advisor.
