How to Move WeChat to a New Phone

To move WeChat to a new phone, migrate your chat history from the old phone first, then log in on the new one. Expect a security check on the new device.

Before you switch

• Update WeChat on both phones.
• Make sure you know your WeChat password, or can receive a code on your registered number.
• Keep the old phone working until the move is done.
• Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi.

Move your chat history

WeChat stores chats on your phone, not in the cloud, so they do not appear on a new phone by themselves. On the old phone, open Me › Settings › General and look for the chat history migration or backup option. Choose to migrate to another device, then follow the prompts on the new phone, which usually involve scanning a code with the logged-in old phone.

Log in on the new phone

1. Install WeChat and choose to log in.
2. Use your number or WeChat ID with your password, or the SMS code.
3. Complete any security check WeChat asks for.

Security checks

See WeChat security verification for details.

Changed your number too?

Change the number linked to WeChat in account security settings while still logged in on the old phone. If you lose the old number first, logging in on a new phone becomes much harder.

WeChat on a computer

WeChat for Windows and Mac log in by scanning a QR code with your phone. After moving phones, scan again with the new phone. Computer backups can also hold chat history if you use them.

Common problems during the move

• Migration stalls: keep both phones on the same Wi-Fi network, unlocked and close together.
• Not enough space: free up storage on the new phone before you start, since photos and videos in chats can be large.
• Old phone already wiped: chats that were not migrated or backed up cannot be brought back.

FAQ

Does WeChat transfer chats automatically to a new phone?

No. Use the chat history migration option on the old phone.

Why does WeChat ask for verification on a new phone?

New devices trigger a security check to protect the account.

Can I move WeChat without the old phone?

You can log in, but old chats stay on the old phone unless backed up.

Related: WeChat security verification · WeChat number privacy · moving to a new phone.