How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone with a Cable

Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone with a cable by using Apple’s Move to iOS process during iPhone setup. A USB-C to Lightning or USB-C cable can connect both phones, but the cable alone does not move WhatsApp chats. The Android phone, iPhone, WhatsApp accounts, and operating systems must meet WhatsApp’s transfer requirements.

Steps

Update WhatsApp on the Android phone and install the latest Move to iOS app from Google Play.
Connect the Android phone and iPhone with a compatible USB-C to Lightning or USB-C cable. Start iPhone setup and select Move Data from Android when prompted.
Open Move to iOS on the Android phone, enter the code shown on the iPhone, and select WhatsApp in the data transfer list.
Allow WhatsApp to prepare the chat data, then continue the Move to iOS transfer until setup finishes.
Install WhatsApp on the iPhone, sign in with the same phone number, and select Start when WhatsApp detects the transferred data.

Common Issues and Fixes

WhatsApp does not appear in Move to iOS: Update WhatsApp and Move to iOS, then restart both phones. WhatsApp transfer requires a supported Android version and iOS version.
The iPhone is already set up: WhatsApp migration through Move to iOS normally requires a new or factory-reset iPhone. Back up important iPhone data before resetting.
The cable connection stops: Use a certified cable, remove adapters where possible, and keep both phones connected to power during migration.
Chats are missing after setup: Confirm use of the same phone number and the same WhatsApp account. Open WhatsApp on the iPhone only after the Move to iOS transfer completes.
Transfer remains stuck: Disable battery-saving restrictions on the Android phone, keep both screens active, and retry with sufficient free storage on the iPhone.

Quick Tips

WhatsApp call history, peer-to-peer payment records, and some account-related data may not transfer.
Group chats, individual messages, photos, videos, and voice messages generally transfer when supported by the official migration process.
Avoid opening other apps or disconnecting the cable during data preparation and transfer.
A Google Drive WhatsApp backup cannot be restored directly to an iPhone. The Move to iOS route is required for an official Android-to-iPhone chat migration.