https://faq.whatsapp.com/686469079565350
The only free way to do it is to use the move to IOS app..
I messed up the first load on iPhone. I don't want to risk overwriting the eSIM when resetting the phone.
I loaded whatsapp chat to a spare phone I had, using Move to IOS. yes, I needed to reset the spare iPhone to factory settings first. Leave the two phones to do the transfers until complete. The old phone asked you to login immediately after the transfer started, it didn't say it's doing the transfer on the background. don't interrupt.
After all the chat showing on the spare phone, I did a backup all chat to icloud.
Then uninstalled and reinstaledl whatspp on the new phone, and select restore chat history.
It took sometime but it worked.
How to migrate your WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone
If
you're moving from an Android phone to an iPhone, you can transfer your
account information, profile photo, individual chats, group chats, chat
history, media, and settings. You can’t transfer your call history or
display name.
What do I need?
- Android OS Lollipop, SDK 21 or above, or Android 5 or above installed on your Android device
- iOS 15.5 or above installed on your iPhone
- Move to iOS app installed on your Android phone
Note: Using other data migration apps is not supported, and will cause migration issues.
- WhatsApp iOS version 2.22.10.70 or above on your new device
- WhatsApp Android version 2.22.7.74 or above on your old device
- Use the same phone number as your old phone on your new device
- Your
iPhone must be factory new or reset to factory settings to pair with
the Move to iOS app and move data from your Android phone
- Both of your devices must be connected to a power source
- Both
of your devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or
you’ll need to connect your Android device to your iPhone’s hotspot
Migrate from Android to iPhone
- Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts.
- A code will be displayed on your iPhone. When prompted, enter the code on your Android phone.
- Tap Continue and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Select WhatsApp on the Transfer Data screen.
- Tap START
on your Android phone, and wait for WhatsApp to prepare the data for
export. You’ll be signed out from your Android phone once the data is
prepared.
- Tap NEXT to return to the Move to iOS app.
- Tap CONTINUE to transfer the data from your Android phone to your iPhone and wait for Move to iOS to confirm the transfer is complete.
- Install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device.
- Tap Start when prompted, and allow the process to complete.
- Finish activating your new device and you’ll see your chats waiting for you.
Note: Going to Files and selecting the WhatsApp folder in the Move to iOS app isn't supported during migration.
What happens to my data?
- Transferred data doesn't go to cloud storage as a result of the migration until you create an iCloud backup.
- WhatsApp can't see the data you transfer.
- Your Android phone will still have your data unless you delete WhatsApp or wipe your phone.
What messages can I transfer to my new phone?
You can transfer:
You can't transfer:
- Peer to peer payment messages
Can I transfer my call history?
Your WhatsApp call history can’t be transferred from an Android phone to an iPhone.
Related resources:
