Transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android: A Comprehensive Guide (2026)

Jacob Bergman

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Switching from an iPhone to an Android phone can be exciting, but the thought of losing your WhatsApp chats might be stressful. Luckily, transferring your WhatsApp data from your iPhone to your new Android device is straightforward if you know the steps. To transfer WhatsApp chats from iPhone to Android, use a USB cable and complete the setup process on your new Android device.

Make sure both your iPhone and Android phone are fully charged to avoid any interruptions. Connect the devices using a Lightning to USB-C cable. Follow the prompts on your new Android phone during setup to transfer your data seamlessly. This method ensures that all your messages, photos, and videos remain intact.

To start the process, have your iPhone unlocked and ready. Once connected, you’ll scan a QR code on your Android device with your iPhone. This will initiate the transfer of your chat history, ensuring that all your conversations move smoothly to your new phone.

Transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android


đŸ”č Option 1: Official WhatsApp Transfer (Free & Recommended)

WhatsApp now officially supports chat migration from iPhone → Android using a USB-C to Lightning cable or Google Drive backup (depending on your Android version).

✅ Requirements:

  • iPhone running iOS 12.5 or later
  • Android phone running Android 12 or later
  • Latest version of WhatsApp installed on both devices
  • Same phone number on both devices
  • USB-C to Lightning cable (for wired transfer)
  • Both phones fully charged

đŸȘ„ Step-by-Step:

  1. Set up your new Android phone
    Turn it on and connect it to Wi-Fi.
  2. Connect both phones
    When the “Copy apps and data” screen appears, connect your iPhone to your Android using the USB-C to Lightning cable.
  3. Trust the connection
    On your iPhone, tap “Trust This Computer” if prompted.
  4. Scan the QR code
    Your Android phone will display a QR code.
    Open WhatsApp on your iPhone → Settings → Chats → Move Chats to Android, then scan the QR code.
  5. Start the transfer
    Tap Start to begin moving your WhatsApp data — including chats, photos, videos, and voice messages.
  6. Complete setup
    Once the transfer finishes, continue setting up your Android phone.
    Open WhatsApp → log in with the same number → your chat history will appear.

💡 Note: Your iPhone will still retain your WhatsApp data until you delete the app or reset the phone.


đŸ”č Option 2: Transfer via Google Drive (For Android 12+)

If you’ve already set up your Android phone:

  1. On your iPhone, open WhatsApp and ensure iCloud backup is up to date.
  2. On your Android, install WhatsApp and sign in with the same number.
  3. When prompted, choose “Restore from Google Drive” (if available).
    • This method is rolling out gradually — check your WhatsApp version for support.

đŸ”č Option 3: Use a Third-Party Transfer Tool

If your phone doesn’t support the official method, use a trusted third-party app.
Top-rated tools in 2025 include:

  • Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer (Wondershare)
  • MobileTrans – WhatsApp Transfer
  • EaseUS ChatMover (EaseUS)
  • iMobie AnyTrans (iMobie)

How to Use (Example: Dr.Fone)

  1. Install Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer on your computer.
  2. Connect both iPhone and Android via USB.
  3. Select WhatsApp → Transfer WhatsApp Messages.
  4. Click Transfer, and follow on-screen instructions.
  5. Once done, open WhatsApp on Android and verify your number.

⚠ Tip: Always back up your WhatsApp data before using third-party software.


đŸ”č Option 4: Cloud Backup (Future Rollout)

WhatsApp is gradually enabling cross-platform cloud backup migration between iCloud and Google Drive.
This will allow users to restore iPhone backups directly on Android without cables — expected to expand to all users by 2025–2026.


🧠 Troubleshooting Tips

ProblemSolution
Transfer stuck at 99%Check cable connection and restart both phones
Chats missingEnsure same phone number and latest WhatsApp version
Media not showingWait for media to re-download; ensure storage permissions are granted
Google Drive restore not availableTry the cable method instead

🔒 What Transfers & What Doesn’t

Data TypeTransfersDoesn’t Transfer
Chat history✅—
Photos & videos✅—
Voice messages✅—
Display name & profile photo✅—
Call history❌Not supported
Payment history❌Not supported

🏁 Final Thoughts

Transferring WhatsApp from iPhone to Android is now much simpler and safer using WhatsApp’s official migration tool.
For older Android versions or unsupported devices, reliable third-party apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS ChatMover can help.

🔗 Official WhatsApp Support: How to move chats from iPhone to Android

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer WhatsApp chats with a USB cable and initial phone setup.
  • Ensure both devices are charged and connected.
  • Scan a QR code to start the data transfer process.

Preparing Your Devices for Transfer

Before transferring WhatsApp from an iPhone to an Android device, it’s vital to make sure both devices are ready. This involves checking compatibility and backing up data.

Ensuring Compatibility

To start, check if your Android device is running Android 12 or higher. This ensures you can use the direct transfer feature. Additionally, you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect the iPhone and Android.

Make sure both devices are fully charged. The transfer process can take some time, and you don’t want either device to turn off. Also, verify that both phones are using the same phone number for WhatsApp. This is essential for the transfer to work properly.

Backing up Your WhatsApp Data

Before you begin, back up your WhatsApp data on the iPhone. Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, then Chats, and choose Chat Backup. Save to iCloud to ensure you have all your chats and media.

Check if the backup is complete and up-to-date. This step is crucial as it helps prevent any data loss. Remove the old WhatsApp from the iPhone after taking a backup if necessary. This helps to free up space and avoid any confusion during transfer.

Configuring the New Android Device

Reset the Android device if it’s not already factory reset. During setup, choose the option to restore data when prompted. Connect the iPhone to the Android device using the USB-C to Lightning cable.

Make sure the iPhone is unlocked. On the iPhone, press Trust on the pop-up message when connecting to the Android device. Follow the instructions on the Android to complete the transfer. It may take some time depending on the data size.

Once the transfer completes, verify all data has successfully moved. Check WhatsApp, contacts, and apps to ensure everything is in place. This helps confirm the migration was successful.