How to transfer old WhatsApp chats to a new phone step by step (2026 guide)
Step-by-step guide to transfer old WhatsApp chats to a new phone without losing data (2026).

Changing your phone doesn’t mean you have to lose your old chats. Millions of users search every day for how to transfer old WhatsApp chats to a new phone without losing messages, photos, or videos.

In this updated 2026 guide, you’ll learn all working methods to safely move your old chats from your old phone to a new one — Android to Android, iPhone to iPhone, and Android to iPhone.

Table of Contents – WhatsApp Chat Transfer Guide

• Why WhatsApp chats are lost when changing phone  

• Transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to Android  

• Transfer WhatsApp chats from iPhone to iPhone  

• Transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone  

• Transfer WhatsApp chats without backup  

• Common WhatsApp transfer problems & fixes  

• FAQs

Also Read: WhatsApp Account Banned Suddenly? Here’s How to Recover It Fast

Why People Lose WhatsApp Chats While Changing Phones

Before transferring chats, it’s important to understand why chats get lost:

  • WhatsApp not backed up properly
  • Google Drive or iCloud backup disabled
  • Phone number changed without verification
  • Switching between Android and iPhone incorrectly
  • Insufficient cloud storage

The good news? All these problems can be fixed.

Method 1: Transfer WhatsApp Chats from Android to Android (Google Drive)

This is the most common and safest method.
Requirements
  • Same phone number on both phones
  • Google account logged in
  • Stable internet connection
Steps
  1. Open WhatsApp on your old Android phone
  2. Go to Settings → Chats → Chat backup
  3. Tap Back Up and wait for completion
  4. Install WhatsApp on your new phone
  5. Verify the same phone number
  6. Tap Restore when prompted
✅ Your chats, photos, and videos will be restored automatically.

Method 2: Transfer WhatsApp Chats from iPhone to iPhone (iCloud)

If you are moving to a new iPhone, iCloud backup is the easiest way.
Requirements
  • Same Apple ID
  • iCloud backup enabled
  • Enough iCloud storage
Steps
  1. Open WhatsApp on old iPhone
  2. Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup
  3. Tap Back Up Now
  4. Install WhatsApp on the new iPhone
  5. Verify your number
  6. Choose Restore Chat History
📌 Make sure iCloud Drive is ON.

Method 3: Transfer WhatsApp Chats from Android to iPhone (Official Method)

How to transfer old WhatsApp chats to a new phone step by step without data loss (2026)
Step-by-step guide to transfer old WhatsApp chats to a new phone safely in 2026.


WhatsApp now supports Android to iPhone chat transfer officially.
Requirements
  • iPhone running iOS 15 or later
  • Android 5 or later
  • “Move to iOS” app installed
Steps
  1. Reset your new iPhone (required)
  2. Select Move Data from Android during setup
  3. Open Move to iOS on Android
  4. Choose WhatsApp from app list
  5. Complete setup on iPhone
  6. Install WhatsApp and restore chats
⚠️ This works only during initial iPhone setup.

Method 4: Transfer WhatsApp Chats Using Local Backup (Advanced)

Useful when Google Drive backup fails.
Steps
  1. Open File Manager on old phone
  2. Go to: Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Databases
  3. Copy the latest msgstore.db.crypt file
  4. Paste it into the same folder on the new phone
  5. Install WhatsApp
  6. Verify number → Restore
📌 This method works best for Android to Android.

Can You Transfer WhatsApp Chats Without Backup?

❌ No, WhatsApp chats cannot be transferred without:
  • Cloud backup OR
  • Local database file
Any app claiming “no backup required” is risky and may cause data loss.

Common Problems & Fixes

WhatsApp Restore Stuck at 99%

  • Switch to Wi-Fi
  • Clear Google Drive cache
  • Restart phone

Backup Not Found

  • Check correct Google account
  • Same phone number required

Chats Missing After Restore

  • Backup was outdated
  • Media restore disabled

Tips to Avoid Losing WhatsApp Chats in Future

  • Enable daily automatic backup
  • Keep Google Drive / iCloud storage free
  • Always backup before changing phone
  • Don’t skip restore screen during setup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer WhatsApp chats without Google Drive?

Yes, using local backup, but only Android to Android.

Will old chats transfer if number changes?

No. Phone number must be the same.

Are WhatsApp chats stored permanently?

Only if backup is enabled. Otherwise, chats are stored locally.

Is chat transfer safe?

Yes, WhatsApp backups are end-to-end encrypted.

Final Verdict

Transferring old WhatsApp chats to a new phone in 2026 is easy and safe if you follow the correct method. Whether you’re switching Android phones, iPhones, or moving between platforms, WhatsApp provides reliable options to keep your data secure.
⭐ Always backup before switching phones — it saves you from permanent data loss.