To move your WhatsApp chats to a new phone, start the transfer from the old phone before you activate WhatsApp on the new one. Between two Android phones, go to Settings > Chats > Transfer chats; between two iPhones, go to Chats > Transfer Chats to iPhone. Then install WhatsApp on the new phone, verify the same phone number and scan the QR code it shows. Moving between Android and iPhone also works, but uses a different route, explained below. Do not delete anything from the old phone until the new one shows all your chats.
The single most common mistake is setting WhatsApp up on the new phone first and then trying to copy the chats across. WhatsApp’s help centre is clear that history can only be transferred before WhatsApp is activated on the new device. If you have already done that, you will need to uninstall WhatsApp on the new phone and start again.
Which Method Do You Need?
| Old phone | New phone | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Android | WhatsApp’s Transfer chats, using a QR code |
| iPhone | iPhone | WhatsApp’s Transfer Chats to iPhone, using a QR code |
| iPhone | Android | WhatsApp’s Transfer to Android, using a QR code |
| Android | iPhone | Apple’s Move to iOS app, while setting up the new iPhone |
Before You Start: The Checklist
- Same phone number. The new phone must use the same number as the old one. WhatsApp cannot move chats to a different number; if your number is changing, WhatsApp says to change it on the old phone first.
- Latest WhatsApp on both phones, and the latest software updates where possible.
- Both phones plugged in and sitting next to each other.
- Wi-Fi turned on on both.
- Time. How long it takes depends on how many photos and videos you have.
- Not WhatsApp Business. WhatsApp says chat transfer is not currently supported in the Business app.
Android to Android
WhatsApp requires Android 6 or later on both phones. On Android 12 and below, the phones also need precise location permission; WhatsApp says it does not collect your precise location.
On the old phone
- Open WhatsApp and tap More options (the three dots) > Settings > Chats > Transfer chats > Start.
- Accept the permissions and get ready to scan.
On the new phone
- Download and open WhatsApp, then tap Agree and continue.
- Verify your number and accept the permissions.
- Under Restore or transfer chats, choose Transfer from old phone.
- Tap Continue > Start and allow access to nearby Wi-Fi devices.
- Use the old phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the new phone.
- Tap Accept on the new phone.
- Keep both phones unlocked, with WhatsApp open, until the progress bar finishes. Then tap Next.
iPhone to iPhone
Both iPhones need Wi-Fi and internet access, plus local network permission for WhatsApp.
On the old iPhone
- Open WhatsApp, tap your profile picture, then Chats > Transfer Chats to iPhone > Start.
- Allow camera access if asked.
On the new iPhone
- Open WhatsApp, tap Agree & continue and verify your number.
- Tap Continue on Transfer chat history to iPhone and accept local network permissions.
- Scan the QR code on the new iPhone with the old iPhone’s camera.
- Keep both phones close and unlocked, with WhatsApp open, while the progress bar runs.
- When you see Transfer completed, tap Next, enter your name and your chats appear.
WhatsApp points out that transferred chats are not stored in iCloud until you create an iCloud backup on the new iPhone, so switch on WhatsApp’s chat backup once you are set up.
iPhone to Android
You need an Android phone running Android 6 or later and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- On the iPhone, open WhatsApp and go to Chats > Transfer chat history > Transfer to Android.
- When the chats are prepared, tap Continue and allow camera access if asked. Keep the iPhone unlocked.
- On the Android phone, open WhatsApp and verify the same number.
- Tap Allow so the phones can connect. A QR code appears.
- Scan it with the iPhone’s camera, then tap Join to connect to the Wi-Fi network and start the transfer.
- When it finishes, tap Next on the Android phone.
Android to iPhone
This one happens while you set up the iPhone, using Apple’s Move to iOS app on the Android phone. WhatsApp lists these requirements: Android 5 or later, iOS 15.5 or later, and an iPhone that is factory new or freshly reset. An iPhone you have already set up and started using is not eligible.
- Open Move to iOS on the Android phone and enter the code shown on the iPhone.
- On the Transfer Data screen, select WhatsApp.
- Tap Start on the Android phone and wait while WhatsApp prepares the data. You will be signed out of WhatsApp on Android.
- Tap Next to return to Move to iOS, then Continue to transfer.
- Once the iPhone is set up, install WhatsApp from the App Store, log in with the same number and tap Start when prompted.
WhatsApp also says to use Move to iOS rather than other transfer apps, which can cause problems. For everything else that moves during a switch, our guide to transferring everything from an old phone to a new one covers contacts, photos and settings.
What Does Not Come Across
WhatsApp lists a few things that never transfer, whichever direction you go:
- Peer-to-peer payment messages.
- Media received through WhatsApp Channels.
- Call history (on iPhone transfers and Android to iPhone).
- Your display name and status updates when switching between Android and iPhone.
WhatsApp also says chats cannot be merged. If you have been using WhatsApp on both phones, the transfer replaces rather than combines.
If the Transfer Will Not Start or Gets Stuck
- No QR code appears. Check Wi-Fi is on, that you accepted every permission, and on Android 12 and below that precise location is allowed.
- It stalls. WhatsApp’s advice is to restart both phones, wait 30 seconds and try again.
- WhatsApp is already active on the new phone. Uninstall it there, reinstall, and start from the old phone.
Keep the Old Phone Until You Are Sure
WhatsApp warns not to delete chat data, reset the old phone or uninstall WhatsApp on it until you have confirmed the transfer worked. Open a few long-running chats on the new phone, scroll back, and check the photos are there.
Many of us have years of family voice notes and baby photos in WhatsApp. Before the old phone goes in a drawer, it is worth reading this guide on keeping the memories stored on an old phone. When you are ready to part with it, follow our steps for getting rid of an old phone safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move WhatsApp chats after I have already set up the new phone?
Not directly. WhatsApp says history can only be transferred before WhatsApp is activated on the new device. Uninstall WhatsApp on the new phone and start the transfer again from the old one. For Android to iPhone, the iPhone must be new or factory reset.
Do I need a cloud backup to transfer chats?
No. The direct transfer uses the two phones side by side over Wi-Fi. A backup is still a good idea afterwards.
Will my photos and videos transfer too?
Yes, media in your chats moves with them, except media received through WhatsApp Channels.
Can I move my chats to a new phone number?
No. WhatsApp says you cannot transfer to a different number. Change your number on the old phone first, then transfer.
Does this work for WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp says chat transfer is not currently available in the WhatsApp Business app.
Sources: WhatsApp Help Centre, How to transfer your chat history, How to move chats from an iPhone to an Android device and How to move chats from an Android device to an iPhone.
Last updated: November 13, 2026