How to transfer WhatsApp messages from Android to iOS
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Moving from Android to iOS and vice versa used to be a complicated task that often meant sacrificing large chunks of data or starting fresh. Things have changed for the most part, with Google, Apple, and other OEMs developing tools for transferring user data between devices.
One such tool is Apple’s Move to iOS app that transfers your contacts, message history, photos and videos, files and folders, mail accounts, accessibility settings, display settings, web bookmarks, and calendars to your new iPhone. WhatsApp messages and media were exempted from this list until recently when Meta announced support for the software.
Now, you can move most of your WhatsApp data, including account information, profile photo, chat history, individual and group chats, media, and settings from your budget Android phone to an iPhone. The exceptions are your WhatsApp call history, display name, and peer-to-peer payment messages. Read along to learn the WhatsApp transfer process from Android to iPhone.
What you’ll need to transfer your WhatsApp messages from Android to iOS
Before starting the process, you’ll need to ensure a few things:
- The Android phone must be on OS version 5 (lollipop) or above.
- The Apple phone must be running iOS version 15.5 or above.
- WhatsApp should be updated to version 2.22.7.74 or above on your Android.
- WhatsApp should be updated to version 2.22.7.74 or above on your iPhone (only required at the end of the setup).
- You must use the same phone number on both devices.
- The Move to iOS app must be installed on your Android phone.
- Your iPhone should be new or restored to factory settings. Otherwise, it won’t pair with the Move to iOS Android app.
- Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or the Android device must be connected to the iPhone’s hotspot.
How to reset an iPhone
Before you start, make sure to reset your iPhone. Follow the steps below.
- Open Settings on iPhone.
- Scroll to General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Learn the consequences of resetting your iPhone and tap Continue.
- Authenticate the process with a device passcode.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reset process.
How to move your WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone
Here’s a step-by-step guide to moving your data from Android to iPhone:
Your iPhone must be in a set-up state for this method to work. In other words, you can only use a new iOS device or a factory reset one if it’s been used.
- Download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store and install it on your Android phone.
- Begin the setup process for your new (or factory reset) iPhone. Go to the Apps & Data setup screen and select Move data from Android.
- Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the onscreen instructions. A code appears on your iPhone.
- Enter the code on your Android phone, and you’re taken to the Transfer Data screen.
- Select WhatsApp and then tap Start. This encrypts your WhatsApp data and starts the data migration process. You’re also signed out of your WhatsApp account on Android automatically.
- When your iPhone is fully set up, download the latest WhatsApp version from the App Store and sign in with the same phone number. The data isn’t decrypted if you aren’t on WhatsApp iOS version 2.22.10.70 or above.
The major downside of this process is that you can’t do it on an iPhone that’s been in use. Even if you recently set up the device and forgot to transfer your WhatsApp data, you must wipe it to use the service again. If that sounds like too much trouble, consider one of the third-party alternatives listed below.
Move your WhatsApp data with third-party software
As you can see from the list above, the official method to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iOS comes with a list of requirements. Besides, the trick only works when you reset the iPhone. If you don’t want to deal with such limitations, use third-party software to complete the transfer process. There’s no shortage of unofficial solutions to transfer WhatsApp data from Android to iOS and vice versa. They offer a list of features such as selective transfer, the ability to merge WhatsApp messages, restore WhatsApp from cloud storage services, and more.
However, these apps require an active subscription or a one-time purchase to start the WhatsApp transfer process. Some of them may not work as expected. We recommend picking up software that comes with a money-back guarantee. Here are our top five recommendations to choose from.
- Wondershare Wutsapper-WhatsApp transfer tool for Android
- Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer to iPhone app for Android
- iMobie AnyTrans software for Windows and Mac
- iMobie PhoneTrans for Windows and Mac
- Wondershare Dr.Fone app for PC
Don’t leave your WhatsApp data behind
Switching between the Android and iOS ecosystems used to mean losing your data and starting fresh for many of your favorite apps, including WhatsApp. That isn’t the case anymore. With Apple’s official tool or a third-party option, you can transfer your WhatsApp data between devices and continue chatting with friends like you never left.
Moving from Android to iOS goes beyond transferring your WhatsApp data. We answer your most pressing questions on making the switch.
