WhatsApp is one of the most widely used instant messaging services all over the world. While it has improved over the years with new features and additions, one major caveat was the inability to transfer chats across platforms. WhatsApp does offer backup and restore functionality but it only works when switching from one Android to another, or one iPhone to another.
If you’re switching from an Android device to an iPhone or vice-versa, there was no official way to transfer your chat and media history from one phone to the other. Fortunately, that has now changed with WhatsApp’s official announcement at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 launch last month.
For now, WhatsApp has rolled out the ability to transfer chats from an iPhone to an Android device. However, only Samsung phones are currently supported, but the feature will be made available to all Android devices in the near future. If the new foldables from Samsung convinced you to switch to Android from an iPhone, here’s how you can transfer all your WhatsApp data, including chats and media, from your old iPhone to your new Android device.
While WhatsApp has published a support article with instructions to transfer WhatsApp data from your old iPhone to your new Android, we found that the steps mentioned in that article are inaccurate, and following them will not help you migrate your data. So we decided to make the process simpler for you by breaking down the steps we followed to successfully carry out the migration process.
We performed the migration from an iPhone 12 Pro to a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, the process should work on any Samsung device running Android 10 and above.
How to Transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android
Before we begin, there are a few things to note here. The Android phone to which you want to transfer the data must be in a brand new state. Meaning it either needs to be just unboxed and not set up, or if it’s a phone you’ve already been using, you’ll have to factory reset it. We tried performing the steps on a phone that was already set up and in use, but it failed to work. Once we wiped the phone, we were able to transfer the data.
You’ll also need a USB-C to lightning cable for this process to work since the transfer happens via a wired connection and not wirelessly. The last thing you’ll need is some patience since the transfer process is painfully slow. Depending on how large your WhatsApp data is, the process may take even up to an hour.
Now we have all this out of the way, let’s get to the steps:
When your Android phone is in a brand new state, or once you’ve factory reset it, connect it to an iPhone via the USB-C to lightning cable. Keep this cable plugged into both phones until the entire process is completed.
The iPhone will give you a pop-up asking if you want to Trust this Computer. Select Trust.
Begin the setup process on the Android phone by agreeing to the terms and conditions and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
You’ll then see a screen asking if you want to transfer data from an existing device. Tap on yes, and the phone should now download the latest version of Smart Switch.
Price: Free
Once Smart Switch has been launched, select Transfer from iPhone or iPad. You’ll now get an option to transfer WhatsApp chats from your iPhone accompanied by a QR code.
Scan this QR code with your iPhone, or launch WhatsApp on your iPhone and navigate to Settings > Chats > Move Chats to Android.
Tap on the option and your iPhone will start preparing your chats and other data to be transferred. Once done, it will ask you to continue on the new phone.
On the Android device, you’ll now see the option to transfer other data from your iPhone like contacts, messages, photos, etc. You can select these options based on whether you want that data to be transferred to your new phone.
Smart Switch will now ask you to install WhatsApp on the new phone to which you need to agree. You can also choose to install the other apps that were previously on your iPhone.
Once you have performed these steps, the transfer process will begin. Depending on the data you’re transferring, this process may take anywhere between 30-60 minutes.
After the setup is complete, open WhatsApp on your Android device and log in with the same phone number that was used to log into WhatsApp on your iPhone.
When you log in, you should see the prompt asking you whether you want to transfer your chat history from the iPhone.
Select Start and the transfer should take place in a few minutes.
You’ll now have all your chats, images, videos, audio files, and just about everything from WhatsApp on your iPhone transferred to your Android device.
You have now successfully migrated your WhatsApp data from your iPhone to your new Android device!
You can install the rest of your apps and transfer any other data you may need and continue to use the phone. The chat transfer process for WhatsApp is slightly complex and involves a lot of work and time, but hopefully, it gets more seamless once the feature is rolled out to all Android devices.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
