Before you switch phones, make a fresh WhatsApp backup or use WhatsApp’s supported chat-transfer option, then confirm your chats appear on the new device before erasing the old one. For a cloud restore, you generally need the same WhatsApp phone number and the Google Account (Android) or Apple Account (iPhone) used for the backup. If you are changing your WhatsApp number too, change it on your old phone before moving.
Choose the right move for your phones
Start by identifying whether you are moving Android to Android, iPhone to iPhone, or between platforms, and whether your WhatsApp number will stay the same. The available method affects what you need to check before setup.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Move | WhatsApp-supported route | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Android to Android | Google Account backup and restore, or WhatsApp Chat Transfer | Cloud restore uses the same phone number and Google Account. Direct transfer requires Android 6 or later on both phones, the same number, Wi-Fi, nearby phones, and power. |
| iPhone to iPhone | iCloud backup and restore, or a supported transfer route | Use the Apple Account and phone number associated with the backup. Check the backup’s time and size, and ensure there is enough space in iCloud and on the iPhone. |
| Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android | WhatsApp supports chat-history transfer across platforms | Use WhatsApp’s current instructions for your specific source and destination devices; the exact steps depend on that device pair. |
| Changing your WhatsApp number as well | Change the number on the old phone, then back up or transfer | Do not register the new number on the replacement phone first if you need to move your chat history. |
For platform-specific details, see WhatsApp’s Android backup guidance, iPhone restore guidance, changing phones guidance, and number-change guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPrepare the old phone and backup
- Keep the old phone and WhatsApp intact. Do not reset the phone, uninstall WhatsApp, or delete its data while preparing the move.
- Check the phone number. If you are changing numbers, use WhatsApp’s number-change process on the old phone before making the backup or transfer. WhatsApp warns that registering the new number on the replacement phone first can result in losing chat history. See its account transfer guidance and old number guidance.
- Open WhatsApp’s Chat Backup settings. On iPhone, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check the time and size of the latest backup. On Android, open the Chat Backup controls and verify that the intended Google Account is selected before starting a backup.
- Run a fresh backup if needed. Connect to stable Wi-Fi and keep the phone powered while a large or first backup runs. WhatsApp says Google Account backups can use mobile data and recommends Wi-Fi. On iPhone, turn on Include videos before backing up if you want videos included.
- Wait for completion and check the result. Do not treat a started or interrupted backup as complete. On iPhone, revisit Chat Backup and confirm the latest backup time and size.
Android: back up to Google or transfer directly
Use a Google Account backup
WhatsApp’s Android backup is associated with both the phone number and Google Account used to create it. On the replacement Android phone, use that same number and Google Account, then follow WhatsApp’s restore prompt during setup. Google provides and manages the account storage.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
WhatsApp says a new Google Account backup overwrites the previous one, and an older backup cannot be selected for restoration. The latest completed backup is the recovery point: messages sent or received after it are not included. WhatsApp also warns that Google may automatically delete backups that have not been updated in five months.
Use Chat Transfer between Android phones
Direct Chat Transfer can avoid relying on a cloud backup. WhatsApp’s documented requirements are Android 6 or later on both phones, the same WhatsApp number, Wi-Fi enabled, the phones close together, and both connected to power. Follow the on-screen transfer sequence with both phones available; keep them nearby, unlocked, powered, and WhatsApp open while the transfer runs. A compatible charger may be useful if either battery is low, but no new charger is required if you already have suitable power.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
WhatsApp’s instruction is explicit: “Until you confirm the data has successfully transferred to your new phone, don’t delete data, reset, or uninstall WhatsApp on your old phone.” See the Android Chat Transfer instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iPhone: restore from iCloud
On the old iPhone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and verify the latest backup’s time and size. Make a new backup if it is not recent enough. If you want videos, enable Include videos before creating that backup; video restoration depends on that setting being enabled for the latest backup.
Rank #3
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
On the replacement iPhone, sign in to the Apple Account where the backup was created, install or reinstall WhatsApp, verify the same phone number, and accept the restore prompt when it appears. WhatsApp says the restore option appears during this process and is not available later from Settings. Make sure there is enough free space in both iCloud and the iPhone; insufficient device space can lead to a partial backup or failed restore.
WhatsApp says iCloud keeps one backup per account, and each new backup overwrites the previous one. A restore cannot recover messages newer than the latest backup. WhatsApp also notes that its restore coverage includes community messages and media, and Channel updates with a media exception for non-admins. See WhatsApp’s iPhone restore guidance.
Rank #4
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
When you change platforms or phone numbers
WhatsApp confirms that chat history can be transferred between Android and iPhone, but the exact workflow depends on the source and destination devices. Follow the current WhatsApp instructions for that pair rather than assuming an Android Google backup can be restored directly from iCloud or vice versa.
Recommended Free Tools
If your WhatsApp number is changing, change it on the old phone before starting the move. Registering with the new number on the replacement phone first can break the path needed to move the old chat history. Follow WhatsApp’s account transfer instructions.
Best Value
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Protect access to backups and understand what they contain
- Use the account that created the backup. Android cloud restoration requires the same Google Account and phone number; iPhone restoration requires the Apple Account/iCloud location and number associated with the backup.
- Keep encrypted-backup credentials. WhatsApp cloud backups are not protected by WhatsApp end-to-end encryption unless you enable end-to-end encrypted backups. If enabled, you need the correct password or 64-digit key to restore.
- Do not assume WhatsApp can retrieve a missing history. WhatsApp says it cannot restore chats for users because chat history is not stored on its servers. A cloud backup or direct transfer has to be arranged by the user.
- Remember the backup boundary. Messages after the latest successful backup are not recoverable from that backup. For iPhone videos, inclusion also depends on enabling the video option before the latest backup.
Troubleshoot a backup or restore that will not finish
- Check the connection. Try a stable Wi-Fi connection or another network; interruptions can stall a backup or restore.
- Check available storage. For iPhone, verify free space in both iCloud and local iPhone storage. For Android, verify available account and device storage.
- Keep the process uninterrupted. Leave phones powered and avoid closing or interrupting WhatsApp during transfer or restore.
- For Android, restart and check the active SIM if needed. WhatsApp’s troubleshooting guidance suggests restarting the phone and, on dual-SIM devices, confirming that the active SIM is for the WhatsApp number.
- For an encrypted iPhone backup, verify the password or key. The password or 64-digit key must match the encrypted backup.
- Preserve the old phone while resolving failure. Do not wipe it until chats and expected media appear on the new device. WhatsApp says it cannot restore a corrupted iPhone backup.
See WhatsApp’s backup and restore troubleshooting guidance for additional checks.
Quick Recap
Verify the new phone before retiring the old one
- Open WhatsApp on the replacement phone and check that expected recent conversations appear.
- Open important chats and confirm that the media you need is available; if videos were important on iPhone, verify those too.
- Only after the chats and media you need are present should you erase, trade in, or uninstall WhatsApp from the old phone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
