Switching from Android to iPhone used to mean losing your WhatsApp chats. Now you can bring them across with Apple’s Move to iOS app, but you have to do it while setting up the iPhone. Plan ahead before you start using the new phone.

What you need

  • An iPhone that is new or factory reset. WhatsApp says chats can only be moved before WhatsApp is activated on the iPhone.
  • Android 5 or later on the old phone, and iOS 15.5 or later on the iPhone, with up-to-date WhatsApp.
  • The same phone number on the new phone.
  • Both phones on the same Wi-Fi, or the Android connected to the iPhone’s hotspot, and both plugged into power.
  • The Move to iOS app installed on the Android phone from Google Play.

Step by step

  1. Start setting up the iPhone. On the “Apps & Data” screen, choose Move Data from Android. A code appears.
  2. On the Android phone, open Move to iOS and follow the prompts. Enter the code from the iPhone.
  3. On the Transfer Data screen, select WhatsApp (plus anything else you want).
  4. Tap Start on Android. WhatsApp prepares the data; you may be signed out of WhatsApp on Android.
  5. When it finishes, complete the iPhone setup.
  6. Install WhatsApp from the App Store on the iPhone and log in with the same number.
  7. When asked, tap Start to import your chats, and wait for it to finish.

What does not transfer

  • Call history.
  • Your display name (you set it again).
  • Chats in the WhatsApp Business app.

Keep the Android phone and its data until you have confirmed everything arrived on the iPhone.

Already set up the iPhone?

WhatsApp says you would need to factory reset the iPhone, which erases everything on it, including apps, photos and messages. Back up the iPhone first if you go that route. Avoid third-party transfer tools; WhatsApp says they are not supported.

Moving between two Android phones instead? See how to move WhatsApp to a new phone.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp to an iPhone I already set up?

Only after a factory reset of the iPhone, which erases everything on it. WhatsApp says chats can only be moved before WhatsApp is activated on the iPhone.

Does Google Drive backup work on iPhone?

No. Google Drive backups restore on Android only. Use the Move to iOS method to get Android chats onto an iPhone.

What does not transfer?

WhatsApp says call history and your display name do not transfer.

Can I move WhatsApp Business chats this way?

No. WhatsApp says this feature does not move chats to or from the WhatsApp Business app.

Sources