Facebook has announced a new feature on WhatsApp that allows users to move chat history securely from Android to iPhone.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 14, Facebook founder and META Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg, noted that with the feature, users will be able to switch between phones and transfer their chat history, photos, videos, and voice messages.
The feature would be secured through end-to-end encryption. Initially, users could only transfer from iPhone to Android.
"We're adding to WhatsApp the ability to securely switch between phones and transfer your chat history, photos, videos, and voice messages between Android and iPhone while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This is a top requested feature. We launched the ability to switch from iPhone to Android last year, and now adding Android to iPhone as well."
Zuckerberg noted that transferred data would not be backed on the cloud until the user creates an iCloud backup. He affirmed that WhatsApp could not see the data that one transfers.
"Your Android phone will still have your data unless you delete WhatsApp or wipe your phone."
1. Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts.
2. A code will be displayed on your iPhone. When prompted, enter the code on your Android phone.
3. Tap continue and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Select WhatsApp on the Transfer Data screen.
5. Tap Start on your Android phone, and wait for WhatsApp to prepare the data for export. You’ll be signed out from your Android phone once the data is prepared.
6. Tap Next to return to the Move to iOS app.
7. Tap Continue to transfer the data from your Android phone to your iPhone and wait for Move to iOS to confirm the transfer is complete.
8. Install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
9. Open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device.
10. Tap Start when prompted, and allow the process to complete.
11. Finish activating your new device and you’ll see your chats waiting for you.
