How to Clone WhatsApp
You can transfer your WhatsApp account and chat history to a new phone by scanning a QR code, using an official built-in feature. This process moves all your messages and media directly between the two devices without needing a cloud backup.
Prerequisites
- Both phones must be physically close to each other, unlocked, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- WhatsApp must be installed on both the old and new phones.
- The new phone should not have the phone number registered on WhatsApp yet, as the process starts during the initial setup on the new device.
- Ensure both phones have sufficient battery life and that Dark Mode is disabled, as it might interfere with the QR code scan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
On your new phone:
-
- Download and open WhatsApp.
- Tap Agree & Continue and enter your phone number.
- Tap Next, then Yes to confirm your number.
- A prompt will appear asking to Transfer chat history from old phone (or similar wording). Tap Start or Continue.
- Accept any requested permissions (e.g., for local network access). A QR code will be displayed on the screen of the new phone.
On your old phone:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Transfer chats > Start.
- Use the camera on your old phone to scan the QR code displayed on your new phone’s screen.
- On the new phone, you will receive an invitation to connect. Tap Accept to allow the connection.
Completing the Transfer
- The transfer process will begin automatically. A progress bar will track the status.
- Keep both phones unlocked and the WhatsApp app open on both devices until the transfer is complete. Messaging is paused during this time.
- Once the import finishes, tap Done on the new phone. You will be prompted to enter your two-factor authentication PIN (if you have one) and confirm your profile information.
- You will then be redirected to the Chats tab on your new phone, and your account will be active there.
The old phone will be logged out of WhatsApp automatically as your account is now active on the new device.
