WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has introduced a new feature that allows users to transfer their entire chat history between Android and iOS devices. This highly anticipated feature, initially announced during last year’s Galaxy Unpacked event, eliminates the need for third-party apps or the loss of chat history during the switching process. While this update is a significant step forward, it’s important to note that WhatsApp call and payment history are not included in the transfer.
Transferring WhatsApp Chat History: A Step-by-Step Guide
To initiate the migration from an Android device to an iPhone, users should follow these simple steps:
- Open the “Move to iOS” app on the Android device and proceed with the on-screen prompts.
- Enter the code displayed on the iPhone into the Android device.
- Tap “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select WhatsApp on the Transfer Data screen.
- Tap “Start” on the Android device to prepare the data for export, which will sign you out from the Android device.
- Return to the Move to iOS app by tapping “Next.”
- Tap “Continue” to begin the data transfer from the Android device to the iPhone and wait for confirmation from Move to iOS.
- Install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store on the iPhone.
- Log in to WhatsApp on the iPhone using the same phone number as the old device.
- Follow the prompts and allow the activation process to complete.
- Once activated, your chats will be available on the new device. However, it’s important to note that the transferred data will not be uploaded to iCloud until a backup is created. The data will remain on the Android device unless WhatsApp is uninstalled or the device is wiped.
Important Requirements for Chat History Transfer
Before initiating the chat history transfer, ensure the following requirements are met:
- Android device: Android OS Lollipop (SDK 21) or higher (Android 5 or above)
- iPhone: iOS 15.5 or higher
- Move to iOS app installed on the Android device
- WhatsApp iOS version 2.22.10.70 or above on the new device
- WhatsApp Android version 2.22.7.74 or above on the old device
- Use the same phone number as the old device on the new device
- The iPhone must be factory new or reset to factory settings for pairing with the Move to iOS app and data transfer
- Both devices must be connected to a power source
- Both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or the Android device can be connected to the iPhone’s hotspot.
