How to transfer WhatsApp to a new phone
Move your WhatsApp chats, photos and groups to a new phone – whether you're staying with iPhone or Android or switching between them.
- Time
- 15–45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Old and new phones, both charged and plugged in
- The same phone number / SIM on the new phone
- Wi-Fi connection
- Your Apple Account or Google Account login
Safety first
- Never share your WhatsApp six-digit verification code with anyone – a common scam is a 'friend' asking for the code, which lets them take over your account.
- Each new Google Account backup overwrites the previous one, so you can't go back to an older backup.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Update WhatsApp on the old phone
Update WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play first. Keep both phones charged and on the same Wi-Fi.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Same type of phone: use Chat transfer
Moving iPhone to iPhone, or Android to Android? On the old phone open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Transfer chats (or 'Chat transfer'). Install WhatsApp on the new phone, register with the same phone number, and scan the QR code shown when prompted. Keep both phones close together until it finishes.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Or restore from a backup
Alternatively, make a backup first: on iPhone, Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now (saves to iCloud); on Android, Settings > Chats > Chat backup (saves to your Google Account). On the new phone, install WhatsApp, verify the same number, sign in to the same Apple or Google account, and tap Restore when asked.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Android to iPhone
Use Apple's Move to iOS app on the Android phone while setting up the iPhone. The iPhone must be brand new or factory reset, because the transfer happens during setup. Choose WhatsApp in the list of things to move, follow the prompts in WhatsApp on Android, then install WhatsApp on the iPhone and log in with the same number to finish. Your call history and display name don't transfer.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: iPhone to Android
Many Android phones (including Samsung and Google Pixel) can bring WhatsApp chats across during setup, using a cable or the maker's transfer tool. Follow the on-screen setup steps and choose WhatsApp when asked; WhatsApp's help centre has the steps for your phone model.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Check everything arrived
Open a few chats and groups to check messages and photos came through before you wipe the old phone.
Tips
- Messages sent after your last backup won't be restored – back up right before you switch.
- WhatsApp backups are tied to your phone number. If you're changing number too, use Settings > Account > Change number on the old phone first.
Questions people ask
Can I move WhatsApp to a phone with a different number?
Change your number in WhatsApp on the old phone first, then transfer as normal.
Why can't I move chats from Android to my iPhone?
Most often because the iPhone has already been set up. WhatsApp says the move only works on a new or factory-reset iPhone, and both phones need to be on the same Wi-Fi and on power.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- WhatsApp Help Centre: How to migrate your WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone (faq.whatsapp.com)
- WhatsApp Help Centre: Can't move chats from an Android device to an iPhone (faq.whatsapp.com)
- WhatsApp Help Centre: How to back up to iCloud (faq.whatsapp.com)
- WhatsApp Help Centre: About Google Account backups (faq.whatsapp.com)
- WhatsApp Help Centre: How to restore your chat history (faq.whatsapp.com)
Was this guide helpful?
Report a problem with this guide
Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-transfer-whatsapp-to-a-new-phone/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.