Many WhatsApp users face the challenge of moving their chats from one device to another without relying on backups. Traditionally, transferring conversations required Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone, but this is no longer the only option. With recent updates, WhatsApp has introduced features that make transferring chats between devices easier than ever, even when switching between Android and iPhone.
Additionally, several reliable third-party tools can help complete the process seamlessly, ensuring that you don’t lose any important messages, photos, or media along the way. In this guide, I will walk you through all the methods to transfer WhatsApp chats without needing a backup. Whether you prefer official WhatsApp solutions or trusted external apps, you’ll find step-by-step instructions to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Read More: How to Recover Hard Drive Data in 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Transfer WhatsApp Chats Without Backup on the Same Device Type
WhatsApp now offers a QR-based chat transfer feature, making it easier than ever to switch phones without relying on cloud backups like Google Drive or iCloud.
This feature works only when both devices use the same operating system — meaning Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone.
With this method, you don’t need any cloud backup at all. Simply scan the QR code displayed on your old device with your new phone, and your chats, media, and settings will transfer seamlessly. This makes moving to a new phone quick, secure, and hassle-free.
Steps to Use WhatsApp QR Chat Transfer
On the Old Phone:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the main screen.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Transfer Chats.
- Tap Start and grant the required permissions.
- A QR code scanner will appear on the screen.
On the New Phone:
- Wait for the transfer to complete. Once done, all your WhatsApp chats will appear on the new device.
- Download WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
- Tap Get Started, then Agree and Continue.
- Verify your phone number.
- Choose Transfer Chats from the Old Phone.
- Use the new phone to scan the QR code displayed on the old phone.
Before You Start, Remember These Points
- The process is fast, safe, and completely cloud-free.
- Both phones must use the same operating system (Android-to-Android or iPhone-to-iPhone).
- Ensure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version on both devices.
- Use the same phone number on the new device.
- This method does not work for Android-to-iPhone or iPhone-to-Android transfers.
Transfer WhatsApp Chats Without Backup Across Different Devices
When switching between different operating systems—such as Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android—the usual cloud backups won’t work. Fortunately, there are reliable methods to transfer your WhatsApp chats safely without Google Drive or iCloud.
Transfer from Android to iPhone Using the Move to iOS App
- Install the Move to iOS app on your Android phone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until a code appears on your iPhone.
- Enter the same code on your Android device.
- Select WhatsApp on the transfer screen.
- Tap Start to begin exporting your data.
- Tap Next and Continue to initiate the WhatsApp move.
- Wait until the process completes fully.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and verify your phone number.
- Tap Start to finish restoring your chats.
This method works smoothly if all steps are followed carefully.
Transfer from iPhone to Android Using a USB Cable
- Use a new Android device or reset your existing one.
- Connect both phones with a Type-C to Lightning cable.
- Tap Trust if prompted on the iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to start chat migration.
- A QR code will appear on the Android screen.
- Open WhatsApp on the iPhone and scan the QR code.
- Wait until all chats transfer completely.
- Open WhatsApp on Android and log in. Your old chats will appear automatically.
Tip: Ensure both phones are fully charged before starting the transfer to avoid interruptions.
Transfer WhatsApp Chats Without Backup Using EaseUS ChatTrans
If the previous methods are not an option, don’t worry. EaseUS ChatTrans is a reliable third-party tool that allows you to transfer WhatsApp chats quickly and safely. It works on Android, iPhone, and iPad devices and doesn’t require Google Drive or iCloud.
Steps to Use EaseUS ChatTrans on Your Computer
- Connect both your phones to your computer.
- Open the EaseUS ChatTrans software on your desktop.
- Select the WhatsApp option from the tool’s homepage.
- Set the source and target phones using the Switch button.
- Click Transfer and confirm the popup window.
- Wait for the transfer process to complete successfully.
- Click Done and disconnect both devices.
Features of EaseUS ChatTrans Tool
- Safe, fast, and easy to use.
- Transfers chats with one simple click.
- Works seamlessly between Android and iPhone.
- Displays all messages, images, and documents clearly.
- No internet or cloud account required.
- Can export chats to PDF or HTML formats.
- Gives full control over your data.
Other Methods to Transfer WhatsApp Without Backup
Local Backup Method for Android Phones
If you prefer not to use Google Drive, you can transfer chats using a local backup. This method works only for Android-to-Android transfers.
Steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Backup.
- Set the backup frequency to Never for safety.
- Tap Back Up to save a local backup file.
- Open File Manager and navigate to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
- Copy the backup file and paste it onto an SD card or your computer.
- Insert the SD card into the new phone carefully.
- Install WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Tap Restore when prompted during setup.
This method is a simple, offline way to transfer chats, but it only works between Android devices.
Transfer WhatsApp Chats Without Backup on iPhone
Using iCloud Drive (Without WhatsApp Backup)
You can transfer WhatsApp data using iCloud Drive instead of the standard WhatsApp backup.
Steps:
- On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Turn on WhatsApp from the list of apps.
- Enable iCloud Backup and wait for the sync to complete.
- On your new iPhone, select Restore from iCloud Backup during setup.
- WhatsApp data will be restored along with the phone setup.
This is another cloud-free option specifically for iPhone users.
Using iTunes to a New iPhone
You can also use iTunes to transfer WhatsApp chats between iPhones.
Steps:
- Connect your old iPhone to a computer via USB.
- Open iTunes and click the Device icon.
- Click Back Up Now and wait for the process to finish.
- Connect your new iPhone to the same computer.
- Click Restore Backup from the iTunes menu.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. Your chats will appear as before.
works only on Apple devices, not Android.
Bonus Method: Transfer WhatsApp Chats Using Email
If you only need to save a few chats, email can be a quick solution:
Steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to save.
- Tap Settings > Chats > Export Chat.
- Choose whether to include media files.
- Select Gmail or Email and enter your email address.
- Tap Send and open your email to view the chat messages.
Note: This method does not import chats into WhatsApp. It only saves them as a text file for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer WhatsApp chats without Google Drive or iCloud?
Yes! You can use QR-based chat transfer, third-party tools like EaseUS ChatTrans, local backup (Android), iTunes (iPhone), or Move to iOS (Android to iPhone).
Can I transfer WhatsApp chats between Android and iPhone?
Yes, but built-in cloud backup won’t work. Use Move to iOS, EaseUS ChatTrans, or USB cable transfer methods.
Is transferring chats without backup safe?
Yes, official methods and trusted tools like EaseUS ChatTrans are secure. Always follow the steps carefully and keep both devices charged.
Will media files transfer along with chats?
Yes, all messages, images, videos, and documents will transfer using official methods or tools like EaseUS ChatTrans.
Can I use email to transfer WhatsApp chats?
You can send individual chats via email, but this will not import them into WhatsApp; it only saves them as a text file.
Do both phones need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for QR transfer?
Yes, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for QR-based transfers.
Conclusion
Transferring WhatsApp chats without relying on Google Drive or iCloud is now easier than ever. Whether you’re moving between devices of the same type or switching from Android to iPhone (or vice versa), there are multiple safe and reliable methods available. You can use WhatsApp’s built-in QR transfer, official tools like Move to iOS, local backups for Android, iTunes for iPhone, or trusted third-party solutions such as EaseUS ChatTrans.
