messaging

How to Migrate from WhatsApp to Threema

WhatsApp Threema
Difficulty: Easy Estimated time: 20 minutes

Step-by-step guide to switch from WhatsApp to Threema, the Swiss end-to-end encrypted messaging app.

Prerequisites

  • A smartphone (iOS or Android)
  • One-time purchase fee (approximately €5.99)

Steps

  1. Purchase and install Threema

    Buy Threema from the App Store, Google Play, or Threema Shop and install it on your phone.

  2. Set up your Threema ID

    Generate your unique Threema ID and optionally link your phone number or email for discoverability.

  3. Invite contacts

    Use Threema's invite feature to let your contacts know you've switched to a private messenger.

  4. Configure privacy settings

    Adjust Threema's privacy and notification settings to match your preferences.

Why Migrate from WhatsApp to Threema?

WhatsApp is owned by Meta and shares metadata with Facebook’s advertising infrastructure. Despite end-to-end encryption of message content, WhatsApp collects extensive metadata including who you contact, when, and how often. This data is stored on US servers under US jurisdiction.

Threema is developed and hosted entirely in Switzerland. It requires no phone number or email to register, generates a random Threema ID instead, and collects virtually no metadata. Every message, call, and file is end-to-end encrypted, and Threema’s code is fully open source and regularly audited. The one-time purchase model means Threema has no incentive to monetise your data.

Detailed Migration Steps

Step 1: Purchase and Install Threema

Threema costs a one-time fee of approximately €5.99 with no recurring subscription:

The Threema Shop option is ideal for maximum privacy, as it bypasses Google entirely.

Step 2: Set Up Your Threema ID

When you first launch Threema:

  1. The app generates a unique Threema ID (8 characters) using local entropy
  2. Optionally link your phone number so existing contacts can find you
  3. Optionally link your email address for additional discoverability
  4. Create a backup password for your Threema ID (store it securely)

Linking your phone number is recommended during the transition period so WhatsApp contacts can find you on Threema.

Step 3: Invite Contacts

Threema makes it easy to bring your contacts along:

  1. Go to Contacts and tap the invite icon
  2. Threema will show which of your contacts already use the app
  3. Send invite messages to others via SMS, email, or even a final WhatsApp message
  4. Create group chats for your most important circles (family, friends, work)

A practical approach is to post your Threema ID in your WhatsApp status and groups before leaving.

Step 4: Configure Privacy Settings

Fine-tune your Threema experience:

  • Read receipts: Enable or disable per contact
  • Typing indicators: Turn off for maximum privacy
  • Contact sync: Choose whether to sync your address book (hashed, optional)
  • Blocked contacts: Block unwanted senders
  • App lock: Enable PIN or biometric lock for extra security
  • Threema Safe: Set up encrypted backup to recover your ID on a new device

Tips for a Smooth Migration

  • Keep WhatsApp installed for 2-4 weeks during the transition to avoid missing messages
  • Use Threema Web for desktop messaging at web.threema.ch
  • Explore Threema’s polling, agree/disagree reactions, and voice message features
  • For teams, consider Threema Work which adds admin controls and deployment features
  • Verify contacts’ Threema IDs in person by scanning QR codes to achieve the highest trust level (green dot)

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