Transfer WhatsApp to a New Phone with the Same Number

A comprehensive guide on backing up and transferring data in WhatsApp

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Have you purchased a new phone and are wondering how to get access to all your previous/existing chats on WhatsApp? This mobile chat app is unlike account-based apps, so you'll need to create an iCloud or Google Drive backup. Once you do that and restore your previous account information, WhatsApp will deliver messages to your new phone using the same old phone number. This wikiHow article will show you how to transfer WhatsApp to a new phone with the same number.

How to Transfer WhatsApp Message to New Phone

On Android, tap the three-dot menu icon on the top right and select “Settings.” Tap “Chats” and “Chat backup.” Tap “Back Up” and save your material to Google Drive. Select “Restore” to get all of your old convos. In iPhones, tap your name and select “iCloud” in the WhatsApp app, select the drive, and turn WhatsApp backup on. Install WhatsApp on your new phone and restore the content from your iCloud.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Android

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Anyone with an Android phone will have a Google account and access to Google Drive by default, but make sure to download the app to your phone for this process. To learn how to get Google Drive, see How to Get Google Drive for Android. ^{[1]
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The WhatsApp icon has a green background with a white phone and conversation bubble on it.

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You'll see this three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of your screen.
It's usually the last option in the menu.
Your "Settings" will have your name at the top and a list of options beneath it. Chats will be second on the list, just to the right of a chat message icon. ^{[2]
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This page will have a section titled "Chat settings". Chat backup will be near the bottom of this section. ^{[3]
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Tap Back Up Now . This backs up your messages to Google Drive. This process can take several minutes if you have a lot of messages.
- If you wish to have WhatsApp automatically create backups of your messages, tap the Back up to Google Drive option. This will present you with an option for how often you would like automatic backups to occur.
If you have your new phone handy, this can be done as soon as the backup is created.
When you open WhatsApp, you will be asked to verify your phone number. This will require you to simply type in your phone number, and WhatsApp will send a text message to your phone’s default messaging app. Use that message to confirm your phone number.
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Tap Restore . After your number is verified, WhatsApp will prompt you with a message saying "Backup found". Tap on the Restore button to restore all of your old messages. ^{[4]
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- Tap Next to continue (if prompted). You'll then be able to see all of your previous and existing WhatsApp chats. ^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using iPhone

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This app icon looks like a few gears on a light grey background.
Your name will be at the top of the main Settings page.
Your name will once again be at the top of the page. iCloud can be found about halfway down the screen, next to the icon of a blue cloud.
You'll have to scroll down until you see iCloud Drive. If this option isn’t toggled on (the switch is green when the feature is enabled), tap on it to turn it on now.
Below iCloud Drive will be a list of all your apps that back up their data to iCloud. Scroll down until you see WhatsApp and tap on the toggle to turn it on. If WhatsApp is already toggled on, leave it as is.
Return to your home screen and find WhatsApp. It will have a green icon with a phone and a message bubble on it. Tap on it to open it when you find it.
In the bottom right corner of the app, you’ll see a tab titled Settings with a gear icon above it. Tap on this to continue. ^{[6]
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Your "Settings" page will have your name at the top of the page. About halfway down the page, you’ll see Chats next to a green icon with a phone and message bubble around it. ^{[7]
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You’ll now be on a page detailing your WhatsApp chat backup history. About halfway down the page, you’ll see Back Up Now in blue letters. Tapping on this will cause WhatsApp to start backing up your messages to your iCloud. ^{[8]
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Sign in to your Apple ID on the new iPhone. Once the backup is completed, you’ll want to move over to the new device.
- Make sure the new iPhone is logged into the same Apple ID as your old iPhone.
- If you're already signed in on your new iPhone, skip this step.
Find WhatsApp in the App Store and download it.
When you open WhatsApp, you will be asked to verify your phone number. This will require you to simply type in your phone number, and WhatsApp will send a text message to your iPhone’s default messaging app. Use that message to confirm your phone number.
After your number is verified, WhatsApp will prompt you with a message saying "Backup found". Tap Restore to be able to see all your previous messages. This may take some time depending on how large the backup is. ^{[9]
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