How to Transfer WhatsApp Data from Android to iPhone

Switching from an Android phone to a new iPhone is an exciting moment. You get a better camera, a smoother operating system, and access to the Apple ecosystem. However, there is one major problem that scares almost everyone: WhatsApp.

Unlike your contacts or photos, which are easy to move, WhatsApp data is tricky. Android phones use Google Drive to save your chats, while iPhones use iCloud. These two services do not speak the same language. For a long time, this meant you had to leave your old messages behind or pay for expensive software to move them.

The good news is that in 2025, there is finally an official, free, and safe way to move your chats, photos, and voice notes. You do not need to be a computer wizard to do it.

This guide will teach you exactly how to transfer your WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone, step-by-step. We will cover everything from preparing your phones to fixing common errors.

Why Is It So Hard to Move WhatsApp?

Before we start, it helps to understand why this process is unique. Most apps store your data on a “cloud” server. For example, when you log into Facebook on a new phone, your posts are already there.

WhatsApp is different. It uses “end-to-end encryption.” This means your messages are stored directly on your phone device for privacy. The backup file created on an Android (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi) is formatted differently than the backup file used by an iPhone (iOS).

Because of this security, you cannot simply log into WhatsApp on your new iPhone and click “Restore.” You must use a special tool to translate the data from the Android language to the iPhone language.

Phase 1: The Important Checklist Before You Start

If you skip this section, the transfer will fail. Most people who have problems with moving their chats fail because they missed one of these simple steps. Please read this checklist carefully.

1. Check Your Software Version

Your phones need to be running modern software.

• Android Phone: Must have Android 5 (Lollipop) or newer. Most phones bought in the last 7 years are fine.
• iPhone: Must have iOS 15.5 or newer. If you bought an iPhone 13, 14, 15, or 16, you are safe.

2. Update WhatsApp

Go to the Google Play Store on your Android and the App Store on your iPhone. Make sure you have the very latest version of WhatsApp installed on both devices. Old versions might not have the transfer feature.

3. Use the Same Phone Number

You cannot change your phone number and switch phones at the same time during this process. The phone number you use on your Android WhatsApp must be the same number you will use on the iPhone.

4. Power and Wi-Fi

This process moves a lot of data.

• Plug both phones into a power charger.
• Connect your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network.
• You will need to connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network later.

5. The “Factory Reset” Rule (Crucial!)

This is the most important rule. The official transfer tool only works when you are setting up the iPhone for the first time.

• If your iPhone is brand new and says “Hello” on the screen, you are ready.
• If you have already set up your iPhone and are using it, you must factory reset it. This erases everything on the iPhone. If you don’t want to erase your iPhone, you cannot use the official free method.

Phase 2: Using the “Move to iOS” App (The Official Method)

The best way to transfer your data is using an app made by Apple called “Move to iOS.” It is free and secure.

Step 1: Download the App on Android

Take your old Android phone. Open the Google Play Store, search for “Move to iOS,” and install it. Open the app and agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 2: Start the Setup on iPhone

Turn on your new (or reset) iPhone. Follow the on-screen instructions (select language, region, and Wi-Fi). Stop when you reach a screen that says “Apps & Data” or “Transfer Your Data.”

You will see a list of options. Select the option that says “Move Data from Android.”

Step 3: Get the Code

On your iPhone, a 6-digit or 10-digit code will appear on the screen. Now, look at your Android phone. The “Move to iOS” app will ask for this code. Type the numbers exactly as you see them.

Step 4: Create the Connection

Your iPhone will create a temporary, private Wi-Fi network. Your Android phone will ask to join this network. Tap “Connect.” Now the two phones are talking to each other.

Step 5: Select “WhatsApp”

On your Android phone, the app will ask you what data you want to move (Contacts, Photos, Messages, Google Account). Look for WhatsApp in the list and check the box.

Step 6: Preparing the Data

Once you select WhatsApp, your Android phone will automatically open the WhatsApp app. It will ask for permission to move your data. Click “Start.” WhatsApp will now bundle up all your messages, photos, and videos. When it is done, you will be returned to the “Move to iOS” app.

Step 7: The Big Transfer

Tap “Continue” on the “Move to iOS” app. The transfer will begin. Do not touch the phones. Even if the Android phone says “Complete,” wait until the loading bar on the iPhone finishes. If you have a lot of photos, this can take 30 minutes or more.

Phase 3: Setting Up WhatsApp on iPhone

Once the blue loading bar finishes on the iPhone, the hard part is over. Now you just need to activate the data.

1. Finish the rest of the setup on your iPhone (Apple ID, Face ID, etc.).
2. Go to the App Store and download WhatsApp Messenger.
3. Open WhatsApp.
4. Log in using the same phone number that was on your Android device.
5. During the login, a prompt will appear saying “Move Chats from Android.”
6. Tap “Start.”
7. The iPhone will now “unpack” the data that was transferred. Give it a few minutes.
8. Once finished, you will see all your chat history, groups, and media exactly where you left them.

What Gets Transferred (and What Doesn’t)

It is important to know exactly what you are bringing with you.

✅ What is Transferred:

• Personal messages.
• Group chats.
• Broadcast lists.
• Photos and videos inside chats.
• Voice notes and audio files.
• Documents (PDFs, etc.).

❌ What is NOT Transferred:

• WhatsApp Call History: Your list of past missed/received calls will likely be empty.
• Display Name: You might need to type your name again in your profile.
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Messages: If you use WhatsApp Pay, your transaction history might not move.

Troubleshooting: Why Is It Not Working?

Sometimes technology fails. If you are stuck, try these fixes.

Problem 1: “Transfer Interrupted” or Stuck at 0%

This is usually a connection issue.

• Fix: Turn off “Smart Network Switch” or “Mobile Data” on your Android phone. Sometimes the Android phone tries to use 4G/5G because the iPhone’s temporary Wi-Fi has no internet. Turning off cellular data forces the Android to stay connected to the iPhone.

Problem 2: “Move to iOS” App Closes

• Fix: Keep the Move to iOS app open on the screen. Do not switch to another app or let the screen go to sleep. You might need to change your Android display settings to “Screen Timeout: Never” or tap the screen every few minutes to keep it awake.

Problem 3: The iPhone Doesn’t Show the Code

• Fix: This happens if you already set up the iPhone. You must go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. You cannot see the code unless the iPhone is in the “Hello” setup state.

Alternative Method: Email Chat Export (For Records Only)

If the official method fails, or if you don’t want to reset your iPhone, you can use the Email method. Warning: This does not put your chats into the WhatsApp app. It only creates a text file you can read on a computer.

1. Open WhatsApp on Android.
2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat History > Export Chat.
3. Choose the specific contact you want to save.
4. Select “Without Media” (it is faster) or “Include Media.”
5. Send the email to yourself.

You will receive an email with a .txt file containing the conversation. This is useful if you just need to save a specific proof of conversation for legal or work reasons.

Third-Party Paid Software: Are They Worth It?

If you search online, you will see ads for programs like Dr.Fone, iCareFone, or MobileTrans. These are computer programs that claim to transfer WhatsApp without resetting your iPhone.

Pros:

• You do not need to factory reset your iPhone.
• You can merge old data with new data.

Cons:

• They are expensive: They usually cost between $30 and $50.
• Privacy Risk: You are connecting your phones to a third-party tool.
• Complexity: You need a PC or Mac and two USB cables.

Recommendation: Only use these paid tools if the official “Move to iOS” app completely fails for you. For 99% of people, the free official method is better and safer.

Final Step: Protect Your Data on iPhone

Congratulations! You have successfully moved your data. But you don’t want to lose it again. Now that you are on an iPhone, your backup method has changed.

1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
3. Tap Back Up Now.
4. Turn on Auto Backup and set it to “Daily” or “Weekly.”

Your chats are now safe in iCloud. If you lose your iPhone or buy a new one next year, you can restore everything instantly from iCloud.

Conclusion

Transferring WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone used to be a nightmare, but in 2025, it is a simple process. The key is to have patience. The transfer involves moving gigabytes of data wirelessly, so it takes time.

Remember the golden rule: Reset your iPhone first. If you follow the steps in this guide, you will have all your memories, funny group chats, and important photos ready on your shiny new device.

Enjoy your new iPhone!