How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone: 4 Simple Methods

June 3, 2025

To transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone, use WhatsApp's Companion linking for temporary access, Apple's Move to iOS for a full reset-based transfer, or third-party tools like iCare Phone Transfer for direct migration without resetting your iPhone. The best method depends on whether your iPhone is new, already set up, or if you have a computer available.

Switching from Android to iPhone? Your WhatsApp chats don’t have to stay behind! This guide breaks down how to transfer whatsApp from android to iPhone in 4 simple methods, with clear instructions that require no tech skills.

Why Can’t I Just Restore from Google Drive?

WhatsApp backups on Android save to Google Drive, while iPhones use iCloud. These systems don’t talk to each other. That’s why you need special tools or steps to move your chats across operating systems.

How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone: 4 Methods

Method 1: Link Your iPhone as a "Companion Device" (Quick & Temporary)

Best for: Checking chats on your iPhone while keeping Android as your main device.
Limitation: Chats won’t save to iCloud. Your iPhone mirrors chats but can’t back them up.

Steps:

Install WhatsApp on your iPhone (App Store > Download).
Open WhatsApp > Agree to Terms > Tap ≡ > Link a Companion Device.
On your Android phone: Open WhatsApp > Tap ⋮ > Linked Devices.
Scan the QR code on your iPhone screen.
Wait for chats to load (1-5 minutes).

→ Pro Tip: Use this to check messages, but switch to Method 3 or 4 for permanent transfer.

Method 2: Use Apple’s Move to iOS (Official but Requires iPhone Reset)

Best for: Brand-new iPhones or if you don’t mind erasing your device.
Tools Needed: Move to iOS app (Android), stable Wi-Fi.

Steps:

Reset your iPhone (skip if brand-new):
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow prompts until you see the "Hello" screen.
On your iPhone setup screen:
- Select language > Connect to Wi-Fi > Tap Move Data from Android.
- Note the 6-digit code.
On your Android phone:
- Install Move to iOS (Google Play Store).
- Open app > Tap Continue > Enter the 6-digit code.
- Select WhatsApp > Tap Start.
Finish iPhone setup > Install WhatsApp > Log in > Tap Start when prompted to move chats.

Warning: This erases all data on your iPhone! Back up your iPhone first if it’s not new.

Method 3: Third-Party Computer Software (No Reset, Most Reliable)

Best for: Large chat histories or if you have a Windows/Mac computer.
Tools Needed: iCare Phone Transfer (or similar), USB cables, computer.

Steps:

Install transfer software on your computer (e.g., iCare Phone Transfer).
On Android:
- Enable USB Debugging:
  - Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap "Build Number" 7 times.
  - Go back > System > Developer Options > Turn on USB Debugging.
- In WhatsApp: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Enable End-to-End Encrypted Backup > Generate 64-digit key.
- Take a screenshot of the key!
On iPhone:
- Turn off Find My iPhone (guide here).
On Computer Software:
- Connect both phones via USB.
- Select Android → iPhone transfer.
- Enter the 64-digit key.
- Click Start Transfer (takes 5-20 minutes).

Success Rate: 95% for texts, photos, and videos.

Method 4: Phone-to-Phone Apps (No Computer, No Reset)

Best for: Quick transfers without a computer.
Tools Needed: iMyTrans app (Android), USB-C to Lightning cable.

Steps:

Install iMyTrans on your Android (Play Store).
Connect iPhone to Android via USB-C to Lightning cable.
On Android:
- Create encrypted WhatsApp backup (same 64-digit key as Method 3).
In iMyTrans:
- Select Data Merge > Scan Backup Key.
- Enter the 64-digit key.
- Tap Start Merge.
On iPhone: Turn off Find My iPhone (simple steps).
Wait 10 minutes > Chats merge automatically!

Which Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best Method	Time Required
iPhone is brand new	Move to iOS (Method 2)	30-45 min
iPhone is already set up	Third-Party Software (Method 3)	20 min
No computer available	Phone-to-Phone App (Method 4)	15 min
Temporary Android chat access	Companion Device (Method 1)	5 min

Troubleshooting Tips

"Move to iOS not working?": Restart both phones > Use strong Wi-Fi > Disable VPN.
"64-digit key rejected?": Re-generate the key in WhatsApp > Type manually (no spaces).
"Find My won’t turn off?": Sign out of iCloud first (see how).
Chats missing after transfer?: Log out of WhatsApp on Android > Restart iPhone > Open WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why does my 64-digit key keep failing during transfer?
A: Double-check for typos! The key is case-sensitive and must match exactly. If it fails:

Regenerate the key in WhatsApp > Chats > Chat Backup
Type it manually (don’t paste)
Take a screenshot before closing the backup screen for reference

Q2: Can I transfer WhatsApp without resetting my iPhone?
A: Yes! Use Method 3 (computer software) or Method 4 (phone-to-phone app). Both keep your existing iPhone data intact.

Q3: Why do I need to turn off "Find My iPhone"?
A: Security protocols block external tools from accessing iPhone data while Find My is active. Turn it off temporarily – just remember to re-enable it after transferring!

Q4: Will voice notes and stickers transfer too?
A: Yes, if you use Methods 2, 3, or 4. Only "Companion Device" (Method 1) shows messages but won’t save media to your iPhone permanently.

Q5: What if only half my chats appear after transferring?
A: Try this: