How to Transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android over Wi-Fi

WhatsApp does not provide a direct, Wi-Fi-only transfer from iPhone to Android. The official migration method uses a cable during Android setup, while some trusted phone-transfer tools can move WhatsApp data over the same Wi-Fi network. Both methods require the same phone number, sufficient storage, and an unlocked destination device.

Steps

Prepare both phones. Update WhatsApp and the phone operating systems. Charge both devices, connect both phones to the same stable Wi-Fi network, and keep screen locks disabled during the transfer.
Create a current iPhone backup. Open WhatsApp on the iPhone, select Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and complete a fresh iCloud backup. An iCloud backup cannot be restored directly into WhatsApp for Android, but the backup protects chat history if a transfer fails.
Open a compatible Wi-Fi transfer tool. Select iPhone as the source device and Android as the destination device. Grant requested permissions, including local-network access, file access, and device connection permissions.
Pair both phones. Scan the displayed QR code or enter the pairing code. Confirm the source and destination devices before starting the WhatsApp transfer.
Verify WhatsApp on Android. Install WhatsApp on Android, register the same phone number, and allow the transfer tool to restore supported chats and media. Keep both phones connected until verification finishes.

What If WhatsApp Cannot Connect to the Transfer Network After Scanning the QR Code?

If your WhatsApp iPhone to Android QR code is not working, first check which app displayed it. A QR code shown by a third-party transfer tool pairs its devices; it is not necessarily part of WhatsApp’s official migration process. Follow the instructions for the app that generated the code, and don’t enter passwords or verification codes into an unfamiliar app.

Check the connection on both phones. If the tool requires a shared Wi-Fi network, connect both phones to the same private network. Guest Wi-Fi, a VPN, or router settings that isolate devices can prevent them from communicating. Temporarily disconnect from a VPN if you use one, then retry.
Allow the requested connection permissions. Check the phone settings for the transfer app’s local-network or nearby-device permissions, if requested by that app and available on your device. Keep the app open on both phones, unlock the screens, and bring the phones near the router.
Refresh the pairing attempt. Close and reopen the transfer app, generate a new QR code, and scan it from within the receiving app’s scanning screen. Check that the camera lens is clean and the full code is visible. Don’t use a screenshot or an old code unless the app specifically supports it.
Test the network before changing more settings. Restart the apps and, if needed, the router. If pairing still fails, try a trusted private network permitted by the tool. Avoid changing advanced router settings unless you understand how to restore them.

If the QR code is part of WhatsApp’s own migration flow, follow the prompts shown by WhatsApp and the phone setup screens; don’t assume the steps for a third-party tool apply. Supported methods and setup steps can vary by device and software version.

Protect your chats while troubleshooting: Don’t erase or trade in the iPhone, uninstall WhatsApp, or clear its data until you have confirmed your chats and media are available on Android. Keep a current iPhone backup as a fallback, but don’t assume an iCloud backup can be restored directly into WhatsApp on Android. If a QR code repeatedly fails, note the exact error and check the tool’s current compatibility guidance before restarting the migration.

Common Issues and Fixes

Wi-Fi transfer does not start: Different networks, guest-network isolation, or weak signals can block pairing. Connect both phones to the same private 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network and disable VPN services.
WhatsApp data does not appear: A different phone number or incomplete Android setup can prevent restoration. Register the original WhatsApp number and follow the transfer tool’s restore sequence.
Media files are missing: Large videos, unsupported file types, or limited Android storage can interrupt media migration. Free storage space and transfer chats before transferring large media libraries.
The iPhone is not detected: Missing local-network permission or an outdated app can prevent discovery. Enable local-network access for the transfer tool and update the relevant apps.
Transfer stops midway: Battery-saving settings, screen locking, or unstable Wi-Fi can interrupt the process. Keep both phones charging, awake, and near the router.

Quick Tips

Official WhatsApp iPhone-to-Android migration generally requires a Lightning-to-USB-C cable and often occurs during Android setup.
A Wi-Fi-only method depends on third-party software compatibility with the iPhone model, Android version, WhatsApp version, and transfer type.
WhatsApp call history, peer-to-peer payment records, and some encrypted settings may not transfer.
Avoid opening WhatsApp on Android before the migration unless the transfer instructions specifically require initial setup.

Can WhatsApp transfer from iPhone to Android without an iCloud backup?

Yes, some transfer methods can move supported WhatsApp data directly between phones. An iCloud backup remains useful as a recovery copy but does not directly restore into Android WhatsApp.