It was one of the most requested features for WhatsApp, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg explains in a post on his Facebook page…
It will soon be much easier to move a WhatsApp account from an Android smartphone to an iPhone. With the new feature, chats, photos, videos and voice messages can be transferred from one device to another while remaining end-to-end encrypted, Zuckerberg promises.
WhatsApp (like Facebook and Instagram belongs to the target group) worked with Apple for the relocation function. iPhone maker integrates WhatsApp transfer into its app “Transfer to iOS” for Android devices.
Until now, such data migration was only possible with great effort and required third-party software. The new feature will now initially go live for WhatsApp beta users, but should be available to all WhatsApp users within a few weeks, a BILD spokesperson said.
What do you need for the move?
The Android smartphone from which WhatsApp data is to be transferred must have at least Android 5.0 “Lollipop” operating system installed. At least iOS 15.5 operating system is required on iPhone.
The Android device must have at least WhatsApp version 2.22.7.74 installed, while the iPhone must be new or factory reset. Also, the same cell phone number must be used on the new device as on the old one.
The Android device must have the Transfer to iOS app installed. Before the data transfer begins, both devices must be plugged into a charger and connected to the same WiFi network.
How is the WhatsApp movement going?
To transfer WhatsApp data, open the Transfer to iOS app on your Android device and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to iPhone. A page titled “Transfer Data” will appear where you can choose what information you want to transfer. Here you can select WhatsApp.
After tapping “Start”, the data is compiled into WhatsApp for transfer, and then the WhatsApp user account is logged out on the Android device. “Next” takes you back to the “Transfer to iOS” app and after tapping “Continue”, the data will be transferred. The two smartphones use a direct WLAN connection, no data is sent to the Internet.
Now you can install the latest version of WhatsApp (at least 2.22.10.70.) on the iPhone and import the previously transferred data. Note: The data will remain on the Android phone until WhatsApp is deleted or the entire device is reset to factory settings.
From iPhone to Android
By the way, if you want to go the other way around, i.e. switch from an iPhone to an Android device, you already have About some months ago the possibility of taking WhatsApp content with you. This requires a wired connection between the old and new device when setting up the Android device.
So far, however, this transfer has only worked with devices from the Samsung Galaxy family, Google Pixel models, and all new Android phones running the current OS version 12.
Introvert. Beer guru. Communicator. Travel fanatic. Web advocate. Certified alcohol geek. Tv buff. Subtly charming internet aficionado.
