WhatsApp finally makes it easy for Android users to switch to iPhone and take their precious chat history with them.
Although the Meta-owned company implemented functionality for transfers from iPhone to Android (specifically Samsung phones) last year, iPhone owners have not had an easy way to maintain continuity when switching platform.
Better yet, the feature is being integrated as part of the Move to iOS app that Apple already offers to current Android users through the Play Store. This app can now move your photos, messages, contacts, and more by creating a private, secure Wi-Fi network.
WhatsApp chats will now also be an option as part of this transfer process, as part of the update, which is being rolled out today according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who posted the update on his Facebook page. It is important to note that Zuckerberg says that WhatsApp maintains end-to-end encryption of all data during and after the transfer process.
“We’re adding to WhatsApp the ability to securely switch between phones and transfer your chat history, photos, videos and voicemails between Android and iPhone, keeping end-to-end encryption,” he wrote. “This is the most requested feature. Last year we launched the switch to iPhone -> Android, and now we also added Android -> iPhone.”
Once completed, according to Engadget, users will need to authenticate their WhatsApp account before messages are decrypted, but then you’ll be in good shape to pick up your WhatsApp chats on your new iPhone.
The Android to iOS method is certainly easier than the reverse, which includes Samsung phones, which require a Lightning to USB-C cable to physically connect the two devices, before starting the transfer by scanning a QR code on the new device with the old device.
WhatsApp has long promised to offer parity features for those moving to the iPhone and now this feature is here. If you’re late switching to iPhone for fear of leaving your chats behind, it won’t be a problem anymore.