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Buying a new iPhone 16 or 15 is exciting, but the excitement dies the moment you realize your WhatsApp chats are stuck on your old Android.

If you search Google for “WhatsApp Transfer,” you will find dozens of tools like Dr.Fone or iCareFone. They all look free, but the moment you click “Start Transfer,” they ask for $30 or $40.

Do not pay for them.

Since late 2022, there has been an Official Free Method to move your chats, media, and voice notes. It is built directly into the “Move to iOS” app by Apple, but it is tricky to set up correctly.

Here is the step-by-step “Sniper” guide to transferring your data without spending a penny.

Pre-Requisites (Do Not Skip)

Most transfers fail because users skip these checks.

Factory Reset iPhone: This method ONLY works on a fresh, empty iPhone. If you have already set up your iPhone, you must factory reset it (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content).
Same WiFi: Both phones must be connected to the exact same WiFi network (or connect the Android to the iPhone’s Hotspot).
Power: Keep both phones plugged into chargers. The transfer consumes massive battery.
WhatsApp Version: Update WhatsApp on your Android to the latest version from the Play Store.

Step 1: The “Move to iOS” App Setup

On your Android phone, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store.
Turn on your new iPhone. Go through the “Hello” screen setup until you reach the “Apps & Data” screen.
Select the option “Move Data from Android”.
A 6-digit or 10-digit code will appear on your iPhone screen.

Step 2: Selecting WhatsApp Data

Open the Move to iOS app on Android and enter the code shown on the iPhone.
The phones will connect via a temporary WiFi. Wait for the “Transfer Data” screen to appear.
You will see a list of apps (Contacts, Messages, Photos). Look for WhatsApp in the list.
Tap WhatsApp.
This is the magic step. A screen will pop up saying “Move chats to iOS”. Tap Start.
WhatsApp will prepare your data. Once done, you will be returned to the Move to iOS app.
Click Next to start the actual transfer.

Step 3: The Final Activation

Wait for the progress bar on the iPhone to finish. (This can take 30 mins to 1 hour depending on your media size).
Once finished, complete the iPhone setup.
Go to the App Store and download WhatsApp.
Crucial: Log in with the Same Phone Number you used on Android.
WhatsApp will detect the moved data and say “Move Chats from Android”. Tap Start.

Your chats, photos, and voice notes will now appear on your iPhone exactly as they were.

Troubleshooting: Why Did It Fail?

If you got an error like “Transfer Interrupted” or “Unable to Migrate”, here is the fix:

Fix 1: Turn off Mobile Data: On your Android, turn off “Mobile Data” (4G/5G). Sometimes the phone tries to switch networks mid-transfer, killing the connection.
Fix 2: Forget WiFi Networks: On Android, “Forget” your home WiFi network so it only connects to the iPhone’s temporary hotspot.
Fix 3: Stay on Screen: Do not minimize the app on Android. Keep the screen ON and the app open the entire time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I transfer without resetting my iPhone? A: No. The official method requires a fresh setup. If you don’t want to reset, you have to use paid 3rd-party tools, which are risky.

Q: Will my WhatsApp Call History transfer? A: No. Only Chats and Media transfer. Call logs and Display Names of unsaved numbers are usually lost.

Q: Does this work for WhatsApp Business? A: Yes, but the process is slightly less stable. We recommend converting your Business account to a Personal account on Android first, transferring, and then converting back on iPhone.

Conclusion

The Move to iOS app is the only safe way to transfer chats. It protects your end-to-end encryption. If the app gets stuck at “1 minute remaining,” just wait—it is processing large video files.