How to transfer your WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android

Graphic showing how to transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android
(Image credit: Google)

If you've been wondering how to transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android, you're not the only one — Google have been keeping us waiting, but now we finally have the ability to make the switch. 

Google made it possible for users to transfer their data from WhatsApp on iPhone to Samsung Galaxy devices in August. This was great, but it left other Android users out in the cold, with Google stating that “certain types of data were impossible to bring across when switching from an iPhone." But that's now changed.  

Ever since Android 12, users have been able to transfer WhatsApp data from a iPhone onto an Android phone in a few simple steps. 

To transfer your WhatsApp data, you’ll need a Lightning to USB-C cable to connect your phones together. This process will transfer your WhatsApp text messages, photos, videos, and voice messages from your iPhone to your Android phone — so make sure you’re ready to do so before you proceed.

How to transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android 

1. Connect your two phones using the Lightning to USB-C cable. You'll find such a cable bundled in with your iPhone. 

USB-C and Lightning charging cables for phone on black background

(Image credit: Ivan Shenets | Shutterstock)

2. While setting up your Android device, a QR code should be served up during the process. Scan the QR code using your iPhone to begin the transfer. 

To do this simply access the iOS camera app and center the QR code in the middle of the screen, the iPhone should take care of the rest of the process.

an image of a WhatsApp QR code on Android

(Image credit: Google)

3. This will launch WhatsApp on your iPhone and begin transferring your messages and photos from WhatsApp to your Android phone.

Need more help with WhatsApp? We have tutorials that will help you. If you’d like to take a leaf out of Snapchat’s book, here’s how to send disappearing photos and videos in WhatsApp. We’ll also show you how to use WhatsApp dark mode, which will help you save the batteries on your phone. Ready to leave WhatsApp behind? Here’s how to move from WhatsApp to Signal. If you're an Android user but fancy watching a bit of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+, make sure you learn how to watch Apple TV+ on Android.

Millie Davis-Williams

Millie is a Deals writer at Tom's Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.