Switching from Android to iPhone used to mean losing your WhatsApp history, because Android backups live on Google Drive and iPhone backups live on iCloud — the two cannot restore into each other. That problem is solved: WhatsApp and Apple's official Move to iOS method moves your chats, photos, videos and voice messages to the iPhone for free. Follow the preparation carefully; most failed transfers fail before they even start.

1. Check the requirements first

You need: an Android phone on Android 5.0 or newer with the latest WhatsApp installed; an iPhone on iOS 15.5 or newer that is new or factory-reset (the transfer happens during iPhone setup — this is the condition people miss); both phones plugged into power; and both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Keep the same phone number/SIM for WhatsApp if possible. If your iPhone is already set up and in use, you must erase it first (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings) — back up anything on it before you do.

2. Back up on Android anyway (safety net)

Before starting, open WhatsApp on Android → Settings → Chats → Chat backup and tap Back up. This Google Drive backup cannot restore onto the iPhone, but it is your insurance: if anything goes wrong, your chats are still complete on the Android side. Do not uninstall WhatsApp or reset the Android phone until you have seen your chats working on the iPhone at the very end.

3. Start the iPhone setup and choose "Move Data from Android"

Turn on the iPhone and go through setup until the Apps & Data screen. Choose Move Data from Android. The iPhone shows a one-time code (6 or 10 digits) and creates a temporary connection for the transfer. Leave the iPhone on this screen.

4. Run Move to iOS on the Android phone

On Android, install Apple's free Move to iOS app from the Play Store and open it. Tap Continue, agree to the terms, and enter the code shown on the iPhone. On the Transfer Data screen, tick WhatsApp (along with anything else you want to move, like photos). On the WhatsApp screen that appears, tap Start — WhatsApp prepares your chats for export — then Next to return to Move to iOS, and Continue to begin transferring. Keep both phones close, unlocked and charging until the iPhone shows the transfer is complete. Big chat histories (several GB) can take a long while — that is normal.

5. Activate WhatsApp on the iPhone

Install WhatsApp from the App Store on the iPhone (or open it if it arrived with the transfer), verify the same phone number, and follow the prompts. WhatsApp detects the transferred data and asks to restore it — tap Start and wait for the import to finish. Your chats, groups, media and settings appear. Only after you see them should you start using the iPhone as your main phone.

6. What does not transfer — and finishing touches

Your chat history, individual and group chats, media, voice messages and WhatsApp settings move. Your call history does not transfer, and peer-to-peer payment history stays behind. Once chats are confirmed on the iPhone: turn on iCloud backup in WhatsApp (Settings → Chats → Chat Backup) so the iPhone starts backing up the Apple way, check that your profile photo and About look right, and only then wipe or sell the Android phone. Changing numbers at the same time? Use WhatsApp's Change Number feature on Android before transferring, so the history attaches to the new number.

Paid "transfer tools" warning: Search results are full of paid PC programs promising one-click transfer. The official Move to iOS method above is free and made by Apple and WhatsApp themselves — you do not need to pay anyone, and you should never hand a stranger remote access to your PC or phone for this job. For the reverse direction and general moving, see our guide to transferring data to a new phone and the WhatsApp backup & restore guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my Google Drive WhatsApp backup directly on iPhone?

No. Google Drive backups only restore on Android, and iCloud backups only on iPhone. The Move to iOS transfer in this guide is the official bridge between the two systems.

My iPhone is already set up. Can I still transfer WhatsApp?

Only by erasing the iPhone back to factory settings and setting it up again, choosing "Move Data from Android" during setup. Back up the iPhone's own photos and data first, because erasing removes everything on it.

Is the Move to iOS transfer really free?

Yes. Move to iOS is Apple's own free app, and the WhatsApp transfer built into it costs nothing. Any website or shop charging for the transfer itself is charging for a free official feature.