WhatsApp announced on its blog that it added the ability to transfer chat history whenever a user switches from iOS to a Samsung Android device. Samsung also made an announcement that this particular feature will launch at its Unpacked Event in August and is considering one of the more frustrating or missing features of WhatsApp for mobile.
If the user has previously selected the WhatsApp cloud backup feature, the iOS chat history is stored in iCloud and the Android history is stored in Google Drive, making it nearly impossible to transfer chats between phones that don’t run on the same operating system.
Here are a few things to note. WhatsApp explains that when you switch from iPhone to Samsung Android device, you will be able to transfer your account information, profile picture, individual and group chats, chat history, media, as well as Settings. However, it’s impossible to transfer information such as call history or display name.
In addition to this, WhatsApp confirms that this switch can only work during the initial setup of your new Samsung device. WhatsApp notes, “your new Android device must be factory new or reset to factory settings” to allow the switch. Thus, users need to perform a full factory reset on the Samsung device they are already using.
Asides the above stated instructions, older iPhones must have WhatsApp iOS version 2.21.160.17 or newer, and newer Samsung phones must have WhatsApp Android version 2.21.16.20 or newer. New devices must have Samsung SmartSwitch version 3.7.22.1 or later installed. You will need one of these as it is transferred via the USB-C to Lightning cable. So, to make the successful switch below are the steps to follow:
HOW TO SWITCH YOUR WHATSAPP CHATS FROM AN IPHONE TO A NEW SAMSUNG PHONE
1). First, switch on your Samsung device and connect by cable to your iPhone once you receive the prompt.
2). Follow the instructions on the Samsung Smart Switch.
3). When prompted, use your iPhone to scan the QR code displayed on the new Samsung device.
4). Press Start on your iPhone, and wait for the process to complete.
5). Continue this Setup on your new Samsung device.
6). Once you get to the home screen, open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device.
7). When prompted, click “Import” and wait until the process of activating the new device is completed. WhatsApp chat is now available.
Even though the process is completed, you can still see data on your old iPhone unless you delete WhatsApp or erase the iPhone completely. The data you migrated doesn’t get stored on iCloud after the switch, and WhatsApp confirms it cannot see the data you transfer.
