The Meta-owned app is currently testing the new chat transfer feature for Android users. When testing is complete, WhatsApp will enable users to use a QR code to move their entire chat history from one Android device to another.
In Short
- The feature is currently rolling out for some Android beta users.
- Users can check for the new feature by updating app from Google Play Store.
- WhatsApp is also testing a new side-by-side feature for Android tablet users.
Recently, Meta has been really active, adding WhatsApp features left and right. The most recent ones involve saving vanishing messages for later and simultaneously utilising the same WhatsApp account on four different devices. According to recent reports, the instant messaging app is now developing a new feature that would make it simpler for Android users to transfer between devices and stop its need on Google.
Currently, WhatsApp lets its Android users back up their conversations and media to Google Drive so they can access them when necessary on a new device. However, as WhatsApp lacks a specific feature for this, it forces Android users to rely on Google Drive. but no longer. According to a previous report from Wabetainfo, a website that monitors all the newest advancements within WhatsApp, the company is working on a new feature just for Android users. This new chat transfer function for Android users, which does not rely on Google Drive for backup, has reportedly begun to be tested by WhatsApp, according to the same website.
How will WhatsApp chat transfer work
The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.19 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, reportedly includes a new chat transfer capability for some beta testers. When it becomes available, users will be able to transfer their chat history to a new Android device via the chat transfer function found in WhatsApp Settings > Chats.
Users will need to scan the QR code and follow the instructions to collect all of their chat history and data, including media, in order to begin the transfer process. As it eliminates the need for manual backup of the chat history to Google Drive, which can take a while depending on the size of the chat history, the feature will also provide users with a quick and simple migration experience. Users will be able to quickly migrate their chat history from their old Android smartphone to a new Android device by just scanning the QR code, eliminating the need for backup and restoration.
Notably, the new feature is currently under testing and only select beta testers can test it. However, WhatsApp will soon release the feature for all Android devices in future updates of the app.
In the meantime, WhatsApp is also sad to be working on another feature for Android users who use the instant messaging app on Tablets. Wabetainfo in its other reports reveals that the Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing a new “side-by-side” feature for some Android tablet users.
According to reports, the functionality will enable users to multitask on their large tablet window by splitting their screen into two sections: one for the chat list and one for the active chat. Users will be able to quickly move between chats this manner and won’t miss any messages.
However, the function will be optional, and users will be able to disable the side-by-side view at any time by selecting WhatsApp Settings > Chats from the menu. Currently in beta testing, the feature will soon be made available to more users.
