WhatsApp Working on Chat Transfer Feature Without Using Cloud Backups on Android: Report

Users may need to scan a QR code to transfer their WhatsApp chats to a new Android device.

Written by Himani Jha, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 6 January 2023 19:10 IST

Highlights

WhatsApp recently rolled out Android beta version 2.23.1.26
Chat transfers on WhatsApp currently require cloud backups
The feature may remove the need to back up chat history on Google Drive

WhatsApp Working on Chat Transfer Feature Without Using Cloud Backups on Android: Report

WhatsApp's chat transfer feature may be released with a future update of the app

Photo Credit: Bloomberg

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will make chat transfer on Android phones easier. The instant messaging app is said to be working on a new option in the WhatsApp settings tab that will let users move chats from an older android phone to a newer one without using the cloud. WhatsApp currently provides the ability to transfer chat by backing up it on Google Drive or via the Move to iOS app from Android to iPhones.

A new feature was spotted in development by feature tracker WABetaInfo, on WhatsApp beta version 2.23.1.26. The new update version has been spotted with a new Chat transfer to Android option in the settings section. This will make the process of moving chats easier, as users will simply need to click on that and scan a QR code on their older phone after setting up WhatsApp on their new phone.

The report suggests that the feature is currently under development and there are no details on the exact rollout date. However, once rolled out, switching to a new Android phone could get a lot faster since users won't have to rely on Google Drive. However, you can only access your chat history on a new phone using a cloud backup, if your older device is lost or has stopped working.

WhatsApp’s Proxy Feature Will Help Users Bypass Internet Shutdowns

WhatsApp's cloudless chat transfer feature was spotted by a feature tracker
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Meanwhile, the instant messaging platform is also said to be working on a feature that will let users report any suspicious status update on PC or laptops using the Desktop app. WhatsApp is testing the new feature for a future update of its Desktop app. It currently provides the ability to report suspicious messages or spam messages to the company.

Notably, status updates will continue to remain end-to-end encrypted, just like messages, voice calls, media, location sharing, and calls. Reported messages are decrypted and sent to WhatsApp, while the end-to-end encrypted contents of regular WhatsApp interactions cannot be accessed by anybody, not even WhatsApp or Meta.

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