How to Transfer WhatsApp from One Phone to Another Without Losing Data and Chats

Hi, I’m Jessica, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably upgrading to a new phone and wondering: “How do I transfer my WhatsApp without losing all my precious chats and media?”

Trust me, you’re not alone. Whether it’s heartfelt conversations, work-related messages, or those funny GIFs from friends, WhatsApp is an essential part of our digital lives. The good news is—there are multiple reliable methods to transfer WhatsApp between phones without losing a single chat.

In this blog, I’ll guide you step by step through different methods for iPhone-to-iPhone, Android-to-Android, and even cross-platform transfers (Android ↔ iPhone).

Why It’s Important to Transfer WhatsApp Properly

• Chats carry memories and work info – From personal moments to business communication.
• Media takes up space – Photos, videos, and documents need to be preserved.
• WhatsApp doesn’t use SIM-based storage – Chats aren’t tied to your SIM, they’re linked to your account and phone backup.
• Cross-platform transfers can be tricky – Especially if you’re moving from Android to iPhone.

That’s why knowing the right method saves time, stress, and potential data loss.

Method 1: Transfer WhatsApp Using Google Drive (Android to Android)

If you’re switching from one Android phone to another, Google Drive backup is the simplest way.

Steps:

1. On your old phone
   • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
   • Tap Back up to Google Drive and choose your Google account.
   • Tap Back Up to upload your latest chats and media.
2. On your new phone
   • Install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
   • Sign in with the same phone number.
   • WhatsApp will detect the backup from Google Drive.
   • Tap Restore and wait for the process to complete.

✅ Best for: Android users switching to another Android.

Method 2: Transfer WhatsApp Using iCloud (iPhone to iPhone)

For iPhone users, iCloud backup is the easiest method.

Steps:

1. On your old iPhone
   • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
   • Enable Include Videos if you want media.
   • Tap Back Up Now.
2. On your new iPhone
   • Install WhatsApp from the App Store.
   • Log in with the same phone number.
   • When prompted, tap Restore Chat History from iCloud.

✅ Best for: iPhone users upgrading to another iPhone.

Method 3: Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone (Official WhatsApp Move)

In 2022, WhatsApp officially introduced the “Move to iOS” app support for transferring chats from Android to iPhone.

Steps:

1. Prepare your phones
   • On your Android, install Move to iOS from the Google Play Store.
   • Reset your new iPhone to factory settings (or use it as fresh setup).
2. Transfer Process
   • Open Move to iOS on Android > Follow instructions.
   • Choose WhatsApp as the data to transfer.
   • Continue, and wait for the transfer to finish.
3. Set up WhatsApp on iPhone
   • Install WhatsApp on iPhone.
   • Log in with the same phone number.
   • Your chats and media will appear.

✅ Best for: Android users moving to iPhone with minimal hassle.

Method 4: Transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android

Samsung and Google Pixel devices already support direct transfer from iPhone to Android.

Steps:

1. Prepare your devices
   • Connect both phones with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
   • Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
2. Transfer
   • During the Android setup, scan the QR code shown on the screen with your iPhone.
   • Tap Start and wait for the transfer.
3. Set up WhatsApp on Android
   • Log in with the same phone number.
   • Your chats will appear after restoration.

✅ Best for: iPhone users switching to Samsung/Pixel Android phones.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Apps (Cross-Platform, Advanced)

If the official options don’t work for you, tools like iMobie AnyTrans, MobileTrans, or iCareFone Transfer can help.

Steps (General):

1. Install the transfer software on your computer (Windows or Mac).
2. Connect both phones to your computer.
3. Open the software and select WhatsApp Transfer.
4. Follow on-screen steps to copy chats, images, and media.

⚠️ Note: These tools are paid, but they’re reliable for large transfers.

✅ Best for: People switching between iPhone ↔ Android without losing chats.

Method 6: Local Backup & Manual Transfer (Android Only)

For advanced users, you can manually move WhatsApp folders.

Steps:

1. On your old Android, go to File Manager > Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
2. Copy the latest backup file (e.g., msgstore.db.crypt14).
3. Transfer it to your new phone via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or computer.
4. Install WhatsApp on the new phone and place the file in the same directory.
5. Verify your number, and tap Restore.

✅ Best for: Tech-savvy Android users who prefer manual transfers.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transfer

• Use the same phone number – Transfers won’t work if you change numbers.
• Check storage space – Make sure your new phone has enough room.
• Stable Wi-Fi – Cloud backups need strong internet.
• Keep both phones charged – Transfers can take time.
• Don’t uninstall too early – Only delete WhatsApp on your old phone once you confirm everything is transferred.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Backup not found
   • Ensure you’re logged into the same Google/iCloud account.
   • Check that backup was completed successfully.
2. Chats missing after restore
   • Older backups may overwrite new ones—always back up right before transfer.
3. Media not transferring
   • Make sure the “Include Videos” option is turned on in backups.
4. Cross-platform issues
   • Use the official transfer method (Move to iOS or Samsung Smart Switch) or a reliable paid tool.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a new phone should feel exciting—not stressful. By using the methods I’ve outlined above, you can transfer WhatsApp without losing any data, chats, or precious memories.

• For Android-to-Android → use Google Drive.
• For iPhone-to-iPhone → use iCloud.
• For cross-platform → use Move to iOS, Smart Switch, or third-party apps.

Take a few minutes to prepare, back up your chats, and follow the steps carefully. In no time, your new phone will feel just like home—with all your WhatsApp messages right where you left them.

✅ That’s the complete step-by-step guide!