WhatsApp crash loop & backup failure after iPhone transfer

Question

WhatsApp crash loop & backup failure after iPhone transfer

Hi everyone,

I’m facing a bizarre issue that has completely stalled my workflow. As a software developer who manages global projects, I’m used to troubleshooting complex systems, but this "authority conflict" between two devices is something else.

The Scenario:

I attempted to transfer my WhatsApp data from an iPhone 11 to a brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max using the native QR code transfer method.

The Breakdown:

• As soon as the transfer initiated, the source device (iPhone 11) logged off automatically.

• Immediately after, the new device (17 Pro Max) entered an infinite crash loop.

• When I try to log back into the iPhone 11, the app crashes there too within 30 seconds.

• I can't even "Back Up Now" to iCloud because the app closes before the process can trigger.

Technical Observations:

1. Database Corruption? It feels like the data packet was corrupted during the handshake, causing a database exception every time the app tries to parse the chat history.

2. Server-Side Conflict: It seems the server still recognizes the old device as the primary "authority," but the local state on both phones is stuck in a limbo.

3. Business vs. Personal: Interestingly, WhatsApp Business works perfectly on the same device with the same data visible. The issue is strictly isolated to the standard WhatsApp app.

What I’ve Tried:

• Full data migration (same result).

• Re-logging on the old device (crashes after 30s).

• iCloud backup is impossible due to the crash timing.

My Goal:

I just want to successfully back up my WhatsApp data to my new iCloud account and retire the old device. My entire business operation runs through WhatsApp, so this is critical.

Has anyone encountered this specific "authority conflict" or database crash loop? Is there a way to force the server to de-register the old device without losing the local un-synced data?

Looking for a visionary solution here. Thanks!

Posted on Feb 8, 2026 3:35 AM

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Answer 1

LD150

Level 10

102,096 points

Feb 8, 2026 3:48 AM in response to Mustafa Silici

Normally you would make an iCloud backup using Whatsapp app settings on the old device, just in case QuickStart failed.

In that scenario you would uninstall Whatsapp on the new iphone that failed to copy over

Reinstall of the Whatsapp app offers a restore of that iCloud backup.

OR wipe the new phone and attempt QuickStart again.(if that's what you meant by Native QR")

Backing up to icloud from the new failed installation would seem illogical

"New iCloud account"? That would be a complication too far

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

102,096 points

Feb 8, 2026 3:56 AM in response to Mustafa Silici

Ask Meta for help, particularly if you use Business Whatsapp.

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Answer 3

Feb 8, 2026 3:54 AM in response to LD150

That’s the catch, LD150. Normally, I would follow that path, but here is the technical deadlock I'm facing:

1. The 'Old Device' is a No-Go: Since the app crashes every 30 seconds on the iPhone 11, the 'Back Up Now' button never finishes the process. I’m stuck in a loop where I can't generate a fresh cloud backup to pull from.

2. The WhatsApp Business Evidence: When I log into WhatsApp Business on the new iPhone 17 Pro Max, all my data and chat history are visible and functional. This proves the database itself is NOT corrupted.

3. The Backup Missing Link: However, even though Business sees the data, the 'Back Up to iCloud' option is missing or greyed out within the Business app settings. It seems like because the initial migration (via the QR method) didn't 'finalize' correctly, the app hasn't claimed full authority over the iCloud container.

It’s a classic software deadlock: I have the data locally, but the app won't stay open long enough (on the old phone) or doesn't have the permissions (on the new phone) to push that data to the cloud.

Has anyone seen a way to 'force' a backup trigger when the UI is failing, or perhaps a way to manually 'trust' the new device's database so it can start its own sync?

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