Quick Answer
There are a few different ways to merge WhatsApp chats from two different phones:
- Use the built-in chat backup and restore feature in WhatsApp.
- Transfer chats using a third party app like Dr.Fone or MobileTrans.
- Manually export the chat history from each device and then merge the files.
The easiest option is to use the official WhatsApp tools to backup chats from one device, and then restore that backup to the second device. This will merge the chat histories.
Using WhatsApp’s Backup and Restore
Here is a step-by-step guide to merge WhatsApp chats by using the built-in backup and restore feature:
- On the old phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
- Tap “Back Up” to create a new backup of your chat history to Google Drive.
- On the new phone, install WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- On the “Restore Chat History” screen, tap “Restore” to restore chats from Google Drive.
- Select the backup you just created from the old device.
This will merge the chat history from the old device into the new device. All your conversations, media files, group chats etc. will be combined into one app.
Key Points
- Enable chat backups on old phone first.
- Install WhatsApp on new phone and verify number.
- Tap “Restore” when prompted to merge chat history.
- Pick backup from old device to restore.
Using Third Party Apps
There are also some third party apps available that can transfer and merge WhatsApp chats:
Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer
Dr.Fone is a popular phone data transfer tool that includes WhatsApp transfer features. Here’s how to use it:
- Install Dr.Fone on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect both Android phones via USB cables.
- Select “WhatsApp Transfer” option in Dr.Fone.
- Select the option to transfer WhatsApp data from one device to the other.
- Dr.Fone will then transfer and merge the WhatsApp chats.
MobileTrans – WhatsApp Transfer
MobileTrans is another software that works similarly for WhatsApp chat merging between different phones:
- Download and install MobileTrans on a computer.
- Connect both phones to the computer.
- Choose the “WhatsApp Transfer” mode in MobileTrans.
- Select the transfer direction to combine chats.
- Verify and start the transfer process.
The main advantage of using these types of software tools is that it does not require a Google Drive backup. The chat histories are merged directly between the two phones.
Manual Export and Merge
You can also manually export the WhatsApp chat history from each device, and then merge the text files together:
- On the old phone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Export.
- Export chats without media to a text file and save it.
- On the new phone, repeat steps to export a text file of chats.
- On a computer, open both text files and copy/paste to merge.
- On the new phone, import this merged text file into WhatsApp.
While doable, this manual method is time consuming and you’ll lose your chat media like photos. The backup restore or transfer tool methods are recommended instead.
What Gets Merged from WhatsApp Chats
When you combine WhatsApp chats from two different phones, here are the key items that will be merged:
- Entire message history between you and any contacts.
- All photos, videos, audio files, documents etc. sent or received.
- All group conversations along with their media.
- Chat configurations like mute settings or custom notifications.
- WhatsApp call history and voicemails.
Essentially it will be as if you used one phone all along when you merge chats properly from both devices.
What Does Not Merge
Some things do not get transferred over when merging WhatsApp chats:
- User interface settings like theme or font size.
- Privacy settings like last seen, profile photo visibility.
- Group invite links.
- WhatsApp payment transactions.
These type of settings are device-specific and will not sync between phones automatically.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Chat Merge
Here are some common issues faced when trying to combine WhatsApp chats from two phones and how to resolve them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp says chats could not be restored |
|
| Chats restore but with missing parts |
|
| Merge causes duplicate chats |
|
| Media files did not transfer |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp sync chats between devices?
WhatsApp does not automatically sync chat history between different devices. You have to manually transfer or merge chats using one of the methods outlined above. The chat backup restore feature comes closest to syncing.
Will my chat merge transfer all files?
The transfer will include all photos, videos, documents and other media files exchanged in the chats. But any media saved to your phone’s storage directly will not transfer over.
Can I merge iPhone and Android WhatsApp chats?
Yes, you can transfer WhatsApp chats from an iPhone to Android or vice versa using the backup method or third party tools like Dr.Fone. The manual export method works between platforms too.
Is my chat history still on my old phone after merging?
Even after transferring WhatsApp chats to a new device, your old chat history will still remain saved on the old phone. You can delete them manually after the merge is complete.
Will I lose my existing chats on new phone when merging?
No, your existing chats on the new device will also remain intact after the merge. Only new chats from the other device will be added, no chats will be deleted.
Conclusion
Merging WhatsApp chats from two different phones is possible using the built-in chat backup and restore feature, third party apps like Dr.Fone, or manual export and import. Start by backing up chats on the old device, then restore on the new phone during WhatsApp setup.
The process combines the message history, media files, group conversations and other data into one continuous timeline on the new phone. This allows seamless chat migration when changing devices. Just be aware that settings do not transfer over.