WhatsApp works on chat transfer feature without using cloud backups on Android: report

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will make chat forwarding easier on Android phones. The instant messaging app is reportedly working on a new option in WhatsApp’s Settings tab that will allow users to move chats from an older Android phone to a newer one without using the cloud. WhatsApp currently offers the option to transfer the chat by saving it to Google Drive or via the Move to iOS app from Android to iPhones.

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

The report suggests that the feature is currently in development and there are no details on an exact rollout date. However, once rolled out, switching to a new Android phone could be much faster as 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 old device is lost or has stopped working.

WhatsApp’s cloud-free chat forwarding 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 allow users to report any suspicious status updates on a PC or laptop using the Desktop app. WhatsApp is testing the new feature for a future update to its desktop app. It currently offers the ability to report suspicious messages or spam to the company.

Notably, status updates will remain end-to-end encrypted, as will messages, voice calls, media, location sharing, and calls. Flagged messages are decrypted and sent to WhatsApp, while the end-to-end encrypted content of regular WhatsApp interactions is not accessible to anyone, not even WhatsApp or Meta.

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