Transfer messages and WhatsApp from iPhone 12 to iPhone 16

Skinnyfries wrote:

Hi

I currently have an iPhone 12, I received a new IPhone 16 for Christmas. I have been reluctant to switch to the new phone as I recently lost my Mum and I’m worried I’ll lose all messages and WhatsApp messages I received from her.

How can I prevent this from happening and what is the best method of switching to new phone? Is it simply a matter of swapping out the SIM card?

Many thanks

On your iPhone 12, make sure you are backing up your WhatsApp messages inside the app. If you use QuickStart to migrate the data from your iPhone 12 to your iPhone 16, your WhatsApp chats will be moved over to the new iPhone. And you'll have the ability to ensure they did after you migrate the data to the new phone before you erase the iPhone 12 after setting up the new iPhone.

Here is how to backup your WhatsApp chats --> https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=iphone

See how to use QuickStart here --> Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Skinnyfries wrote:

Thanks so much for the speedy reply.

You're welcome. I also meant to suggest that you make sure you are syncing all you can sync with iCloud. To do that, open settings on your iPhone 12. Tap your name at the top. Tap iCloud. Make sure the switches are turned on for everything you want to sync with iCloud and ensure comes over to your new iPhone.

Skinnyfries wrote:

Hi

I’ve backed up everything and am ready to do the Quick Start, before I do, just one final question

at what stage do I transfer the SIM card from my old iPhone?

many thanks

The SIM card carriers no data other than the phone number, so you can transfer the SIM at any time. If it was me, I'd do the data transfer, then move the SIM card over to the new phone. Are you still using a physical SIM card? Or have you moved to eSim. I use eSim and when I move to a new iPhone the eSim is moved over to the new phone as part of the QuickStart process. But if you're using a physical SIM, you have to move it manually.