You can't transfer sticker packs directly between WhatsApp accounts, but you can save them to your phone and re-add them

WhatsApp stickers live in your account, not in a transferable file. If you're switching to a new phone, a new WhatsApp account, or just want to move your collection somewhere else, you'll need to manually re-add each sticker pack you want to keep. The process takes a few minutes per pack, and there's no bulk export option.

The reason: sticker packs are linked to the app itself, not stored as individual files you can move around. WhatsApp pulls them from its sticker library or from third-party creators, and your "saved" stickers are really just a list of which packs you've added. When you move to a new account or device, that list doesn't follow you.

Key Takeaways

  • Sticker packs are tied to your WhatsApp account and don't transfer automatically when you switch phones or accounts.
  • You can re-add sticker packs one at a time through the sticker menu in any chat, and the process takes less than a minute per pack.
  • If you're moving to a new phone with the same WhatsApp account, your stickers may already be there if you restore from a backup.
  • Third-party sticker apps store stickers separately from WhatsApp and won't transfer either, but you can reinstall those apps on your new device.
  • Taking a screenshot of your sticker library before switching devices helps you remember which packs you had.

Re-adding sticker packs on your new device or account

Open WhatsApp and go to any chat. Tap the emoji icon (or the smiley face, depending on your phone), then tap the sticker tab. You'll see a "+" button or "Add" option at the bottom or side of the sticker panel. Tap it to browse WhatsApp's sticker library or search for specific packs you remember using.

When you find a pack you want, tap it and select "Add" or "Install." The pack will appear in your sticker library immediately. Repeat this for each pack you want to keep. If you saved screenshots of your old sticker collection before switching, you can use those to remember which packs to re-add.

This method works whether you're moving to a new phone, a new WhatsApp account, or just reinstalling the app. The sticker library is always accessible from any chat, so you can add packs whenever you remember them.

What happens to stickers when you switch phones with the same account

If you're moving to a new phone but keeping the same WhatsApp account and phone number, your sticker packs may already be there. WhatsApp stores some account data in the cloud, including your sticker list. When you set up WhatsApp on the new phone with the same number, the app may restore your stickers automatically.

This doesn't always happen instantly—it can take a few minutes or longer depending on your internet connection and WhatsApp's servers. If your stickers don't appear after an hour, you can manually re-add them using the method above. There's no harm in adding a pack twice; WhatsApp will just show it as already added if you try to add it again.

Stickers from third-party apps and custom packs

If you use sticker packs from apps like Sticker.ly, Wemoji, or other third-party creators, those won't transfer to WhatsApp automatically. Those apps store stickers separately and connect to WhatsApp through an integration. When you move to a new device, you'll need to reinstall the third-party app and then add its packs to WhatsApp again.

The good news: reinstalling the app is usually free, and your account in that app (if you have one) will sync your sticker collection. Once you log back in, your saved packs in that app will be there, and you can add them to WhatsApp again in seconds.

Backing up your sticker list before you switch

Before you move to a new phone or account, take a screenshot of your sticker library. Open WhatsApp, go to any chat, tap the emoji icon, then the sticker tab, and screenshot the full list. This gives you a visual record of which packs you had, so you don't have to guess or hunt for them later.

You can also write down the names of your favorite packs in a note on your phone. Some sticker packs have distinctive names (like "Memes," "Cats," or creator names), and a quick list makes re-adding them much faster than scrolling through the library trying to remember what you liked.

Why WhatsApp doesn't offer a bulk transfer option

Sticker packs are hosted by WhatsApp or third-party creators, not stored on your device as files. WhatsApp's system tracks which packs you've added, but it doesn't create a portable file you can move between accounts or devices. This is similar to how your Netflix watchlist doesn't transfer if you create a new Netflix account—the service tracks your choices, but they're tied to that specific account.

WhatsApp could theoretically sync stickers across devices if you're using the same account, and it does this for some data. But sticker packs from third-party apps add complexity, and not every creator's sticker app works the same way. The manual re-add process, while not instant, is reliable and works across all sticker sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my stickers transfer if I switch to a new phone but keep the same WhatsApp account?

Sometimes. WhatsApp may restore your sticker list automatically if you set up the app with the same phone number and account. If they don't appear within an hour, you can manually re-add them. Stickers from third-party apps won't transfer unless you reinstall those apps on the new phone.

What if I can't remember the names of my sticker packs?

Screenshots of your old sticker library are your best reference. If you didn't take screenshots, browse WhatsApp's sticker library and look for packs that seem familiar. You can also check your phone's app store download history to see if you installed any sticker apps, which might help you remember third-party packs.

Can I export my stickers as files and move them to another phone?

No. Sticker packs aren't stored as individual files on your phone that you can copy or move. They're hosted by WhatsApp or third-party apps and linked to your account. Re-adding them through the sticker menu is the only way to transfer them.

Will I lose my stickers if I uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp?

Your sticker list is tied to your WhatsApp account, not to the app installation itself. If you uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp with the same phone number, your stickers may restore automatically. If they don't, you can re-add them manually. Stickers from third-party apps will be gone unless you reinstall those apps too.

Do sticker packs cost money to re-add?

No. WhatsApp's built-in sticker packs and most third-party sticker apps are free to add. Some third-party sticker apps may have paid packs, but those are optional. Re-adding a free pack you already had costs nothing.