How do I move WhatsApp from Android to a new iPhone?
Answer
WhatsApp on a new iPhone is usually activated with the same phone number by SMS or call verification, not by scanning a passkey QR code from the Android phone. A passkey created on Android often cannot unlock WhatsApp on iPhone.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never share WhatsApp verification codes, passkeys, or QR login screens with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Registering WhatsApp on the iPhone can sign out the Android phone; finish any needed chat transfer before you lose access to the old device.
Follow these steps
Install WhatsApp on the iPhone
On the iPhone, open the App Store, search for WhatsApp Messenger, and install the official app from Meta Platforms.
You should see: WhatsApp appears on the home screen and opens to the phone-number setup screen.
Verify with the same phone number
Open WhatsApp, enter the same phone number that was used on Android, then choose SMS or call verification. Do not rely on scanning a passkey QR code from the Android phone if the iPhone reports no passkeys.
You should see: You receive a verification code and WhatsApp accepts the number on the iPhone.
Complete setup without forcing a passkey transfer
Follow the on-screen prompts to finish account setup. Skip or decline passkey/QR options that fail with a “no passkeys” error, and continue with number verification instead.
You should see: WhatsApp opens as signed in on the iPhone with your chats or an empty chat list, depending on whether a transfer or backup was available.
Move chats only through WhatsApp’s supported path
If you still need Android chat history and both phones are available, check WhatsApp’s official help for moving chats from Android to iOS (often during first setup, with both phones on the same Wi‑Fi and the Move to iOS or WhatsApp transfer flow as documented by WhatsApp).
You should see: Either chats appear after a supported transfer, or you know history will not move and the account is still usable on the iPhone.
Confirm the Android session ends
After the iPhone is verified, open WhatsApp on the Android phone once. WhatsApp usually signs that device out when the same number is active on another phone.
You should see: The iPhone remains the active WhatsApp device for that number.
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Extra tips
What to look for: An error like “no passkeys on this device” when scanning a QR code, plus whether WhatsApp asks for SMS verification of your phone number
Before you change anything: Keep the Android phone nearby until the iPhone number is verified. Note the exact phone number registered to WhatsApp. If you need chat history, check WhatsApp’s official transfer or backup options before wiping the Android phone. Never share SMS codes or passkeys with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.