The official, free way to transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone in 2026 is by using Apple’s “Move to iOS” app during the initial setup of your new iPhone. You do not need to pay for third-party software to move your chat history, photos, and voice notes.
## Requirements for the Transfer
Before you begin, ensure you meet these strict requirements, as missing one will cause the transfer to fail:
* Your new iPhone must be factory new or reset to Factory Settings. You cannot transfer chats to an iPhone that is already set up.
* Both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
* Both phones must be plugged into power.
* Your Android must be running Android 5.0 or later, and the iPhone must have iOS 15.5 or later.
## Step-by-Step Guide: Using Move to iOS
1. **Prepare the iPhone:** Turn on the new iPhone and begin the setup process. Stop when you reach the **”Apps & Data”** screen.
2. **Select Transfer:** Tap **”Move Data from Android”**.
3. **Open the App on Android:** Download and open the **”Move to iOS”** app on your Android phone.
4. **Enter the Code:** Your iPhone will display a 6- or 10-digit code. Enter this code on your Android phone.
5. **Select WhatsApp:** On the “Transfer Data” screen on your Android, make sure to select **WhatsApp**.
6. **Start the Process:** Tap “Start” on your Android phone. WhatsApp will prepare the data for export (you will be signed out of your Android phone).
7. **Finish Setup:** Once the transfer is complete, finish setting up your iPhone.
8. **Activate WhatsApp:** Download WhatsApp from the App Store on your iPhone and log in with the *exact same phone number*. Tap “Start” when prompted to import your chats.
## What Transfers and What Doesn’t?
* **Transfers:** Chat history, photos, videos, voice messages, and group memberships.
* **Does Not Transfer:** Call history, WhatsApp display name, and peer-to-peer payment messages.
## Troubleshooting: Transfer Failed or Stuck
If the transfer gets stuck at 0% or fails mid-way, the most common culprit is a dropped Wi-Fi connection. Put both phones in Airplane Mode (with Wi-Fi turned back on) to prevent cellular data from interrupting the local Wi-Fi direct connection used by the Move to iOS app.
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