How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone in 2026

The supported way to move WhatsApp messages and media from Android to iPhone is to use Apple's Android-to-iPhone migration process during iPhone setup. Apple currently lists WhatsApp messages and media among the content that can transfer. If the iPhone is already fully set up, Apple's guided migration requires erasing it and starting setup again; if you do not want to erase it, use manual transfer options for other content instead.

Before You Start

  • Keep the Android phone and iPhone connected to power.
  • Turn on Wi-Fi on the Android phone.
  • Make sure the new iPhone has enough storage for the content being moved.
  • Keep both devices near each other until the iPhone's transfer progress bar is finished.

Apple also supports a direct USB-C cable connection between compatible Android phones and iPhones, which can make the transfer faster. Apple's current instructions are in Move from Android to iPhone or iPad.

Transfer WhatsApp During iPhone Setup

  1. Turn on the new or erased iPhone and begin setup.
  2. At Quick Start, choose Set Up Without Another Apple Device if you are moving from Android.
  3. Continue until you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data.
  4. Tap From Android, then choose the Android transfer option shown on screen.
  5. On most Android devices, open the Move to iOS app. Apple notes that certain supported devices running a compatible version of Android 17 can use a newer transfer path without the Move to iOS app.
  6. On the iPhone, wait for the six-digit or ten-digit transfer code, then enter it on the Android phone.
  7. If transferring wirelessly, connect the Android phone to the temporary Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone when prompted.
  8. On the Android phone, select the content you want to move. Make sure WhatsApp content is included when it is offered.
  9. Tap Continue and leave both devices alone. Do not switch to another Android app or interrupt the transfer.
  10. Wait until the loading bar on the iPhone is complete, even if the Android phone says it has finished first.
  11. Finish iPhone setup, install or open WhatsApp, and complete any WhatsApp prompts required to access the transferred data.

What Apple's Migration Can Transfer

Apple's current migration list includes contacts, message history, SMS messages, photos and videos, files and folders, mail accounts, calendars, call history, and WhatsApp messages and media, among other supported data. Music, books, and PDFs may need to be moved separately.

If Your iPhone Is Already Set Up

Apple's Android migration flow is designed for the setup process. If you already completed iPhone setup, Apple says you need to erase the iPhone and start over to use the guided Android transfer.

Data-loss warning: Erase All Content and Settings removes the current data and settings on that iPhone. Before erasing, back up anything on the iPhone that you need to keep. Do not erase a phone simply to troubleshoot a minor WhatsApp issue unless you understand what will be removed.

If the WhatsApp Transfer Gets Stuck

  1. Keep the Move to iOS transfer screen open on Android until the process finishes.
  2. Do not answer calls or open another Android app during the migration.
  3. Keep both phones plugged in and close together.
  4. If using Wi-Fi, reconnect to the temporary network created by the iPhone if prompted.
  5. If a cable transfer is available, check the Android USB mode if the phones connect but the migration app cannot start.
  6. Confirm the iPhone has enough free capacity for the data selected on Android.

Common Questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp after finishing iPhone setup?

Not through Apple's normal Android setup migration without erasing and starting setup again. Apple explicitly directs users who already completed setup either to erase and restart or to transfer other content manually.

Do I need Move to iOS?

For most Android phones, yes. Apple now notes an exception for certain supported devices running a compatible version of Android 17, so follow the current setup instructions shown on your devices.

Can I use a cable instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes. Apple says you can directly connect the Android device and iPhone with a USB-C cable when the hardware supports it.

Official Apple Source

Move from Android to iPhone or iPad

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