Whatsable
Yes — you can keep chat history and media when you move the same number from WhatsApp Messenger to the WhatsApp Business app, if you back up first and do not uninstall Messenger.
- Keep chats: Back up in Messenger, then open Business. WhatsApp can migrate the account, including chat history and media, when it finds that backup on the number.
- What happens to history: Restore needs the same phone number and the same Google or iCloud account that made the backup. Messages after the last backup are not in it. WhatsApp cannot restore chats for you.
- Do not uninstall first: Update Messenger, download Business, open Business. Uninstalling Messenger first is the wrong path. Chat Transfer cannot move these chats onto Business.
- New number only if you keep both apps: One number cannot sit on Messenger and Business at the same time. Use a second number if you need both apps; otherwise move the same number.
How do I move WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Messenger and the WhatsApp Business app are two different apps. One phone number cannot sit on both at the same time. You can move that number from Messenger to Business.
WhatsApp lets you migrate the account, including chat history and media. Start by updating Messenger, downloading Business from the store, and opening Business. You do not uninstall Messenger first.
WhatsApp recommends a backup before you move. A restore only works with the same phone number and the same Google Account or iCloud account that made the backup. WhatsApp cannot restore chats for you. The history is not on their servers.
Should I back up before I switch?
Yes. WhatsApp recommends a backup before you move the number. Do the backup in Messenger. Do not uninstall Messenger first.
On Android, open Messenger Settings, tap Chats, then Chat backup, then Back up. Stay signed into the Google Account you will still use when Business looks for that backup. WhatsApp backups are tied to the phone number and the Google Account that created them.
On iPhone, tap WhatsApp Settings or your profile picture, then Chats, then Chat backup, then Back up now. Stay on the same iCloud account.
Chats and media restore from the last successful backup only. Messages after that backup are not in it.
Do not use Chat Transfer for this move. WhatsApp says it is currently not possible to transfer chats on the WhatsApp Business app.
How do I move WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business on Android?
- Update WhatsApp Messenger and download WhatsApp Business from the Google Play Store.
- Open the WhatsApp Business app.
- Read the WhatsApp Business app Terms of Service and, in some regions, the WhatsApp Business App Privacy Policy. Tap Agree and continue.
- The WhatsApp Business app automatically identifies the number you are using in WhatsApp Messenger. Tap the option with your business number. If it is wrong, tap Use a different number, then follow the standard verification process.
- Tap Continue then Allow so the app can access your chat history and media. WhatsApp contacts are not yet supported on the WhatsApp Business app, so WhatsApp contacts you created will be lost. In Messenger, turn off WhatsApp contacts in settings and save those contacts to the phone address book first.
- WhatsApp sends an SMS with a six-digit code. Enter it to verify.
- Create your business profile, then tap Next. You can keep editing the profile after the account is active.
The verification SMS goes to the number you verify. If that SIM cannot receive SMS, verification fails.
WhatsApp will search for backups tied to your phone number. If it finds one, you may be able to restore your chat history.
How do I move WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business on iPhone?
- Update WhatsApp Messenger and download WhatsApp Business from the Apple App Store.
- Open the app.
- Read the terms. Tap Agree & continue.
- The app automatically identifies the number you are using in WhatsApp Messenger. Tap that number. If it is wrong, tap Use a different number, then follow the standard verification process.
- WhatsApp sends an SMS with a six-digit code. Enter it to verify. Skip this if iCloud Keychain is enabled and you already verified this number on the same phone.
- Tap Continue then Continue, or Continue then Don't Allow, for address book access. WhatsApp contacts are not yet supported on the WhatsApp Business app, so WhatsApp contacts you created will be lost. In Messenger, turn off WhatsApp contacts in settings and save those contacts to the phone address book first.
- Create your business profile, then tap Next. You can keep editing the profile after the account is active.
The verification SMS goes to the number you verify. If that SIM cannot receive SMS, verification fails.
WhatsApp will search for backups tied to your phone number. If it finds one, you may be able to restore your chat history.
Will I lose my chats?
You can migrate the account, including chat history and media. WhatsApp looks for a backup on that number. If it finds one, you may be able to restore the history.
The restore needs the same phone number and the same Google Account or iCloud account you used to make the backup. WhatsApp cannot restore, transfer, or delete your chats, contacts, or media for you, because the history is not stored on their servers.
WhatsApp contacts you created in Messenger are not yet supported on the Business app. They will be lost unless you turn WhatsApp contacts off in Messenger settings and save them to the phone address book first.
Can I use WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same number?
No. You cannot link one phone number to both apps at the same time.
You can run both apps if each one has a different number. You can also move the same number from Messenger to Business, then back again.
Can I move back to WhatsApp Messenger?
Yes. You can transfer the account and chat history back to Messenger.
Catalog items and collections stay behind. Those features are unique to the Business app and cannot be transferred.
What do I get in the WhatsApp Business app?
The app is free on Android and iPhone. It has a business profile for address, email, and website, lists to organize contacts, and messaging tools to reply to customers quickly. Ordinary chats and photos still work the way they do in Messenger.
You can keep editing the profile after the account is active.
After the number is on the Business app, can I connect WhatsAble?
If the number is still on WhatsApp Messenger, finish this move first.
Once the number is on the Business app, you can connect WhatsAble and keep the phone app. Meta WhatsApp Coexistence is supported. Automate with Zapier, Make, n8n, or a webhook.
A reply typed in the Business app can still hit a webhook if outgoing is on: trigger a webhook from the WhatsApp Business app.
Where are the official WhatsApp steps?
- Move from WhatsApp Messenger to the WhatsApp Business app (Android)
- Move from WhatsApp Messenger to the WhatsApp Business app (iPhone)
- Back up or restore your chats
- How to back up your chat history (Android)
- How to back up your chat history (iPhone)
- About moving between WhatsApp Messenger and the WhatsApp Business app
- How to download the WhatsApp Business app
- How to move your account information from the WhatsApp Business app to WhatsApp Messenger
- How to transfer your chat history
- About WhatsApp Business
FAQ
How do I move WhatsApp Messenger to WhatsApp Business?
Update Messenger, download Business, and open Business. Do not uninstall Messenger first. WhatsApp can migrate the account, including chat history and media, if you back up first.
Should I back up before I switch?
Yes. Back up in Messenger. A restore only works with the same phone number and the same Google or iCloud account that made the backup. WhatsApp cannot restore chats for you.
Will I lose my chats?
You can migrate the account, including chat history and media, if WhatsApp finds a backup on that number. WhatsApp contacts are lost unless you save them to the phone address book first.
Can I use WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same number?
No. One phone number cannot sit on both apps at the same time.
Can I move back to WhatsApp Messenger?
Yes. Chat history can move back. Catalog items and collections stay behind.
