Switching from Samsung or Android to iPhone in Kenya: How to Move WhatsApp, Photos, Contacts and M-Pesa to Your New iPhone in Nairobi

“How to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone” and “switch from Samsung to iPhone Kenya” are the questions every Android user asks before buying their first iPhone. The good news: you can bring your chats, photos and contacts with you. Here is how.

Before you start

Charge both phones, connect both to the same Wi-Fi, and update WhatsApp on the Android phone. You will need the new iPhone fresh out of the box (or reset), because the transfer happens during iPhone setup. Use the same phone number on the iPhone as on WhatsApp.

Move WhatsApp, photos and contacts with Move to iOS

Install Apple's “Move to iOS” app on the Android phone. On the new iPhone, during setup choose “Move Data from Android” and enter the code it shows into Move to iOS. Select WhatsApp along with contacts, messages, photos and other data. WhatsApp will prompt you to package your chats; when it is done, the transfer finishes and you sign in to WhatsApp on the iPhone with your number to see your chats.

M-Pesa, your SIM and banking apps

Your Safaricom or Airtel SIM moves straight into the iPhone (or ask us to set up eSIM). M-Pesa works on iPhone through the SIM menu and the M-PESA app from the App Store. Download your bank apps on the iPhone and sign in; some banks ask you to re-verify the new device.

What does not move

Android apps do not carry over — download the iPhone versions from the App Store. Paid Android apps need to be bought again if the developer charges on iPhone.

Trade in your Samsung

Your old Android has value. Bring it in or start on trade-in, and we put its value toward your new iPhone. Our Android trade-in prep guide explains how to back up and reset it. Not sure which iPhone to switch to? See the best iPhone by budget.

Where to buy it in Nairobi: Gadget Hub, Norwich Union House, 4th Floor

You get served at Gadget Hub, Norwich Union House, opposite the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi CBD — take the lift to the 4th Floor, Suite 15. We are open Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm and Sunday 10am–8pm. Come in to see iPhones side by side and have us move your data during setup, compare sizes and colours in hand, and have the phone or device set up before you leave. Prefer not to come into town? Order on the website, pay by M-Pesa, and we arrange Nairobi delivery. WhatsApp or call 0729 585 471 and we will confirm stock before you travel.