WhatsApp now lets you transfer chats between Android and iOS: How-to guide

WhatsApp’s Chat transfer across platforms

WhatsApp said that it handles the chat transfer process directly, so messages remain end-to-end encrypted throughout the transfer. 

If you’re switching your WhatsApp chat, you can transfer the following:

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  Account information
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  Individual chats
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  Group chats
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  Communities
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  WhatsApp Channels updates
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  Chat history
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  Call history
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  Media and settings

Cannot be transferred following:

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  Display name
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  Status updates
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  Media received over WhatsApp Channels.

iPhone to Android chat transfer

WhatsApp has shared a list of requirements that need to be met before starting the transfer process. These include:

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  You need an Android device running Android 10 or above
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  You require the same phone number on both the old and new devices
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  The latest WhatsApp version needs to be installed from the Google Play Store
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  The latest WhatsApp version should be installed on an iPhone from the App Store
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  A stable Wi-Fi connection
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  Do not delete WhatsApp data from your old iPhone until the transfer is complete

Follow these steps to move your chats from an iPhone to an Android device:

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  On your iPhone, open WhatsApp and go to Chats 
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  Go to Transfer chat history, then Transfer to Android
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  When the chats are prepared, tap Continue
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  If prompted, tap Allow to enable access to the camera
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  Keep your iPhone unlocked during the transfer
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  On your Android device, open WhatsApp and verify your account with the same phone number
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  When prompted, tap Allow to connect the devices (a QR code will appear)
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  Use your iPhone camera to scan the QR code
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  Tap Join to connect to the Wi-Fi network and start the transfer
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  Once the transfer is complete, tap Next on your Android device to view your chats and start using WhatsApp

Android to iPhone chat transfer

WhatsApp has shared a list of requirements that need to be met before starting the transfer process. These include:

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  You need Android OS Lollipop, SDK 21 or above, or Android 5 or above installed on your Android device.
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  You should have iOS 15.5 or above installed on your iPhone.
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  The Move to iOS app is installed on your Android phone. (Note: Using other data migration apps is not supported and can cause migration issues.)
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  The latest WhatsApp iOS version available on the App Store, and the latest WhatsApp Android version available on the Google Play Store.
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  You need to use the same phone number as your old phone on your new device.
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  Your iPhone must be factory new or reset to factory settings to pair with the Move to iOS app and move data from your Android phone.
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  Both of your devices must be connected to a power source.
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  Both of your devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or you will need to connect your Android device to your iPhone’s hotspot.

Follow these steps to move your chats from an Android device to an iPhone:

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  Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the on-screen instructions.
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  A code will be displayed on your iPhone. When prompted, enter the code on your Android phone.
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  Tap Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.
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  Select WhatsApp on the Transfer Data screen.
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  Tap Start on your Android phone, and wait for WhatsApp to prepare the data for export. You’ll be signed out of your Android phone once the data is prepared.
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  Tap Next to return to the Move to iOS app.
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  Tap Continue to transfer the data from your Android phone to your iPhone and wait for Move to iOS to confirm the transfer is complete.
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  You need to install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
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  Open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device.
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  Tap Start when prompted, and allow the process to complete.
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  Finish activating your new device, and your chat will be moved 

WhatsApp cross-platform chat transfer: Important limitations to note

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  Transfer time depends on the amount of data; larger data may take longer
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  Chats can only be transferred before activating WhatsApp on the new Android device
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  To restore old chats, you must uninstall WhatsApp on the new device first
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  New chats and old chats cannot be merged
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  Chat transfer is not supported on WhatsApp Business app
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  Data remains on the old device unless manually deleted or wiped
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  Chats cannot be transferred to a new phone number directly
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  Personal messages can be transferred, but payment messages cannot
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  Status updates cannot be transferred from iPhone to Android