Ever since WhatsApp began beta testing its upcoming multi-device support, most have wondered if the platform would allow users to also carry over their chat histories from iOS to Android devices and vice versa. According to a recent discovery, it appears that such a feature is finally in the works. Well, actually just one half of it.
WABetaInfo reports that a new “Move chats to Android” tool was included in an unspecified Android build of WhatsApp, enabling users to transfer all of their chat history on iOS to an Android device. The feature will be included as a new option in the Chats menu, under the Settings tab. The app will then provide you with a QR Code on screen, which you are required to scan with your iPhone. The publication did not explain the purpose of the code, but it is likely required to verify the user’s identity.
Thank you @xdadevelopers for your recent discovery about the "Switch to Android" app, to migrate WhatsApp chat history from iOS to Android. 🤩
These screenshots show how the process works. This feature is under development and it will be available in a future update. https://t.co/FmZbXi33L2 pic.twitter.com/w7GiCUHSuS— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) July 28, 2021
Strangely enough, the screenshots provided by WABetaInfo also revealed that the transfer process will require a wired connection between your iOS and Android devices – meaning that you’ll need to have a Lightning to USB-C cable nearby in order for this to happen. It is not known if WhatsApp intends to include a transfer via wireless option later on.
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Most interestingly, WABetaInfo noted that the migration feature could also be part of a new “Switch to Android” iOS app that is reportedly under development by Google. First discovered by XDA, the app is said to function similarly to Apple’s “Move to iOS” app on Android, which – as implied by their names – enables users to transfer their data from one smartphone operating system to another. XDA says that the app’s code also suggests it might integrate with WhatsApp’s new data transfer tool.
But what about transferring your WhatsApp chat history from Android to iOS? Sadly, there’s no evidence of the feature being in development at this current time. Which is actually kind of baffling, as third-party tools such as these are often created to allow back and forth migration instead of just one-way. If it’s any compensation, WABetaInfo believes that the platform will also introduce the ability for Android users to transfer their data to iPhones.
So when will this new data transfer feature roll out to WhatsApp users? Seeing that it is still under development and has yet to enter beta testing, it is likely that we won’t be seeing the new tool anytime soon.
(Source: WABetaInfo / XDA | Images: WABetaInfo)
