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To restore WhatsApp chats on a Samsung phone, use the Google Account backup linked to the same phone number during WhatsApp setup, or use WhatsApp’s direct Chat Transfer if your old Android phone still works. Keep the old phone unchanged until you have confirmed the chats are on the Samsung. Samsung says Smart Switch does not transfer WhatsApp chat and media data between Android phones.
Choose the recovery method that matches your situation
| What you have | Use this method | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| The old Android phone is available and WhatsApp still works on it | WhatsApp Chat Transfer | Both phones, the same phone number, Wi-Fi enabled, and the phones nearby |
| The old phone is unavailable, but a usable backup exists | Restore from a Google Account backup | Access to the Google Account and phone number associated with the backup |
| You are relying on Samsung Smart Switch to move Android chats | Choose one of the WhatsApp methods above instead | Smart Switch does not transfer WhatsApp chat and media data between Android phones |
Either method can recover only the content captured in the relevant backup or transfer. WhatsApp says its chat history is not stored on its servers, so it cannot retrieve missing chats for you.
Restore chats from a Google Account backup
This method is useful when the old phone is no longer available or you prefer to restore from a cloud backup. A WhatsApp Google Account backup is associated with both the Google Account and the phone number used to create it.
- On the old phone, if available, check which Google Account WhatsApp used for its backup and which phone number was registered. Also check when the most recent backup completed.
- On the Samsung phone, add or select that same Google Account in the phone’s Google Account settings. Make sure you can verify the phone number associated with the backup.
- Install WhatsApp on the Samsung phone and open it. Follow the setup prompts and verify the matching phone number.
- When WhatsApp finds a backup and offers to restore it, choose Restore. Keep the phone connected while the restore runs, then complete setup and check that the expected chats appear.
The restore offer appears during initial WhatsApp setup. There is no restore control on the Chat Backup screen, so checking that screen alone will not start a restore. If the needed chats still exist on the old phone, avoid deleting WhatsApp data or resetting that phone until you have confirmed another recovery path.
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Know which backup can be recovered
WhatsApp says each new Google Account backup replaces the previous backup for that WhatsApp phone number. It does not provide a way to restore an older Google Account backup. Use the most recent successful backup as your recovery point, rather than expecting to choose a historical version. WhatsApp also says backups that have not been updated in five months might be automatically deleted by Google.
Transfer chats directly from the old Android phone
If the old phone still works, WhatsApp’s in-app Chat Transfer can move chats directly to the Samsung phone without relying on a Google Account backup. WhatsApp’s stated requirements are Android 6 or later on both phones, the same phone number, a new phone that is not already registered on WhatsApp when migration starts, both phones nearby and connected to power, and Wi-Fi enabled. The phones do not need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
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- On the old phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Transfer chats > Start.
- Install and open WhatsApp on the new Samsung phone, then follow setup and select Transfer from old phone when offered.
- Use the old phone to scan the QR code shown on the Samsung phone.
- Keep WhatsApp open and both phones unlocked until the transfer finishes. Check the chats on the Samsung before erasing, trading in, or resetting the old phone.
WhatsApp says this transfer does not move peer-to-peer payment messages or media received over Channels, and the feature is not available for WhatsApp Business.
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If you changed your phone number
A backup remains tied to the number that created it. If you can still access the old phone and SIM, WhatsApp’s number-change guidance is to change the number on the old phone first, create a backup using the new number, then install WhatsApp on the destination phone, register the new number, and restore.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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If you cannot access the old account, WhatsApp says its backup cannot be moved to a new number. Do not assume that signing into the same Google Account alone will make a backup for the former number available to a different number.
Fix a missing restore prompt or failed restore
Check the account and number match before reinstalling WhatsApp. If the prompt is still missing or the process fails, work through these checks:
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Confirm the Google Account and number. The Samsung must use the Google Account associated with the backup, and WhatsApp must be verified with its matching phone number.
- Check available storage and services. WhatsApp identifies free space on the device and in the Google Account, Google Play services, and a stable connection as requirements to check.
- Improve the connection and phone conditions. Try a stable internet connection, charge the phone, and restart it. If the backup is large and storage is low, reduce the backup size where possible.
- Refresh WhatsApp and account access. Check Google Account sign-in and sync, WhatsApp permissions, and Google Play services. WhatsApp also suggests force-stopping the app when backup or restore is stuck.
- Reinstall only after checking alternatives. Because the restore prompt appears during initial setup, reinstalling may be necessary when it was missed. First confirm whether the old phone still contains the chats or can use direct Chat Transfer; preserve that data until the Samsung restore is verified.
If these steps do not help, WhatsApp says the backup may be corrupted; it cannot restore a corrupted backup or identify what caused the corruption.
Why Smart Switch is not the answer for Android WhatsApp chats
Samsung’s UK support guidance, updated July 21, 2026, says Smart Switch can transfer the WhatsApp app itself but not its chat and media data. Samsung Australia separately says Android WhatsApp chat transmission is not supported through Smart Switch. Use WhatsApp’s Google Account restore or its direct Android Chat Transfer instead.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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