How to Transfer WhatsApp to a New Phone
Move WhatsApp chats and media to a new Android or iPhone with a QR code, a cloud backup, Move to iOS, or Android setup, without losing history.
The method depends on whether both phones run the same system. Same-platform moves use a QR code or a cloud backup; cross-platform moves happen during the new phone's setup.
Back up the old phone
On Android, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings, Chats, Chat backup, Back up. On iPhone, tap Settings, Chats, Chat Backup, Back Up Now. This is your safety net whichever method you use next.
Same platform: transfer with a QR code
Put both phones on the same Wi-Fi network. Install WhatsApp on the new phone, verify your number, and choose the option to transfer from your old phone; a QR code appears. On the old phone open Settings, Chats, then Transfer chats (Android) or Transfer Chats to iPhone (iPhone), tap Start, and scan the code. Keep both screens on until the transfer completes.
Same platform: restore from the backup instead
Install WhatsApp on the new phone, verify the same number, and tap Restore when the backup is found. Android needs the same Google account signed in; iPhone needs the same Apple Account with iCloud Drive turned on. Media downloads in the background after the messages appear.
iPhone to Android
During the Android's setup, choose Copy apps & data, then connect the phones with a cable or, on phones that support it, over Wi-Fi. When the list of data appears, make sure WhatsApp is selected. Scan the QR code shown on the Android with the iPhone camera, tap Start in WhatsApp on the iPhone, and keep the phones connected. When setup finishes, open WhatsApp on the Android, verify your number, and tap Import.
Android to iPhone
During the iPhone's setup, choose to move data from Android, then install Move to iOS on the Android and enter the code the iPhone displays. Select WhatsApp in the list of content. When the iPhone finishes setup, open WhatsApp, verify the same number, and tap Start to import. The iPhone must be new or freshly reset for Move to iOS to appear.
Keep the old phone. Do not wipe or sell it until the new phone shows your chats. Transfers can fail partway, and the old phone is the only other copy.
Your number moves with you. Chats stay tied to your phone number, so use the same SIM or eSIM on the new phone. To switch numbers later, open Settings, Account, Change number on the new phone before removing the old SIM.