Instant messaging platform WhatsApp will release a Chat Transfer feature that will allow users to transfer chat records from one Android smartphone to the other.
So far, users were familiar with the Move to iOS app that enabled them to move their chats from an Android to an iPhone. Users managed to switch to a different device without losing their chat history.
Quick Facts
- WhatsApp users can access Chat Transfer in Settings
- As users can easily transfer chats from their phone to another Android device, a Google Drive backup is unnecessary before switching to a new device.
- The feature is under development, soon to be launched in the coming months
What is Chat Transfer on WhatsApp?
Chat Transfer, an alternative to chat backup through Google Drive, will use a local network to transfer chat data from one device to another. WABetaInfo announced that the app will introduce the feature in a future update.
The chats will reach their desired destination thanks to a QR code that initiates the transfer. WaBetaInfo, an online platform with the latest WhatsApp updates, officially announced its future launch.
Managing chat data using a QR code will ensure a faster and more streamlined transfer process. So users don’t have to rely on third-party apps anymore.
How to use Chat Transfer on WhatsApp?
WaBetaInfo posted a screenshot of how the feature should work. The data migration process starts by installing WhatsApp on a new Android device. Using Chat Transfer, the user has to scan the QR code on the phone using the old device.
Finally, by clicking on ‘Start’ on being asked whether the user wants to transfer the chat history to the new phone can, the migration process continues. It resembles the steps behind using WhatsApp web without installing the app on the desktop.
The QR code will transfer WhatsApp account information, profile photo, message histories, one-on-one and group chats, media, and settings if a user switches from Android to Android or iPhone.
The importance of Chat Transfer on WhatsApp
Using Google drive to store important chats has been the norm for WhatsApp users for a long time. Chat Transfer will enable users to complete the task within two steps promoting a simpler method to store data.
So it is expected to gain precedence over the cloud service. As of now, chat backup can be done from android to iOS or Android.
From Android to Android
To move chat history to a new device, it needs to be backed up first to the user’s Google Drive from their old phone. The options Chat Backup is available within the Chats section of Settings.
The new device is then linked to the Google Account, where the chats are stored. The next step is opening WhatsApp on the new device and signing in. Users can bring back chats and media by tapping on “Restore” when a prompt for the same shows up.
Once the process is complete and the app is initialized, WhatsApp will continue to restore media files.
From Android to iOS
The “Move to iOS” app from the Play store must first be installed on the old device. Once the app is launched, the on-screen directions are asked to be followed. A code is then prompted on the iPhone to establish a link between the two devices.
Once the code is typed on the Android, the Transfer Data Screen pops up. Select ‘WhatsApp’ and then tap on Start. The export will be initiated shortly. Sign out when the task is completed.
On the Move to iOS app, select ‘Continue’ to transfer data to the iPhone. Then the user logs in with the same mobile number and starts the app. WhatsApp chats are now visible on the new iPhone.
To learn how to transfer data from iPhone to Android, check out WhatsApp Help Centre.
WhatsApp Chats FAQ
Can you store WhatsApp chat data locally?
Yes, if a user wants to use a local backup, they can move the files to the phone using a computer, file explorer, or SD Card.
Do WhatsApp servers store messages?
WhatsApp does not retain messages once they are delivered or transaction logs of delivered messages, and undelivered messages are erased from the servers after 30 days.
