How to Move KakaoTalk to a New Phone With Chats

Back up KakaoTalk chats with a backup password on the old phone, then sign in on the new phone with the same number and restore it soon.

Step 1: back up

1. On the old phone, open KakaoTalk and go to Settings › Chats.
2. Choose Back up chats.
3. Set a backup password and remember it.
4. Wait for the backup to finish.

KakaoTalk keeps chat backups on its servers for a limited time only, so restore soon after backing up. Photos and videos may need their own backup option.

Step 2: set up the new phone

1. Install KakaoTalk.
2. Sign in with your Kakao Account and confirm your phone number.
3. When asked, choose to restore chats.
4. Enter the backup password.

What carries over

Changing number too

Change the phone number in KakaoTalk settings while you still have the old SIM. If you lose the old number first, signing in on a new phone becomes much harder. See KakaoTalk recovery.

One phone at a time

KakaoTalk runs on one phone per account. When you sign in on the new phone, the old one is signed out. KakaoTalk for PC and tablets can stay connected.

Forgot the backup password

Without the backup password, the backup cannot be opened. You can still use the account, but older chats will not come back.

Code problems

If the verification code does not arrive, see KakaoTalk code not received.

iPhone and Android

KakaoTalk's server backup works between iPhone and Android, unlike some apps that only use iCloud or Google Drive. The same backup password is needed on either type of phone.

Kakao Account details

Make sure your Kakao Account email and password are up to date before switching. They are the safest way back into your account if the phone number step fails.

FAQ

How do I move KakaoTalk to a new phone?

Back up chats, sign in on the new phone, and restore with the backup password.

How long does a KakaoTalk backup last?

Only for a limited time; restore soon.

Can I use KakaoTalk on two phones?

No, one phone per account.

Related: KakaoTalk code not received · KakaoTalk recovery · move LINE to a new phone.