WhatsApp may soon use QR codes instead of Google Drive to allow chat transfers between phones
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that uses QR codes to transfer chat history between devices, eliminating the need for Google Drive.
WhatsApp is working on several new updates to improve user experience on its platform. In this series of new developments, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new chat transfer feature using QR codes that will greatly simplify the process of transferring chat history between devices, completely eliminating the need to use Google Drive.
According to WABetaInfo, the new chat transfer functionality is included in the latest beta version, 2.24.9.19. The feature uses QR codes to facilitate the transfer of chat data directly from one device to another. When a user switches to a new phone, WhatsApp will display a QR code on the old device, containing all the chat history and data. Scanning this QR code with the new device initiates the seamless transfer of chat data. The development is reportedly aimed at addressing one of the long-standing inconveniences faced by users, especially on Android, who have to rely on Google Drive to backup and restore their conversations when switching phones.
The feature is also said to be more user-friendly than the previous approach, in which users had to manually back up their chat history to Google Drive and then restore it to a new device. While the process was generally straightforward, it still involved several steps and could be time-consuming, especially for users who have extensive chat histories.
While the QR code-based transfer system is expected to streamline the process, there are still some uncertain details about its exact operation. For instance, it is unclear whether both devices need to be logged into WhatsApp during the transfer or whether the QR code also acts as a sign-in mechanism on the new device. Additionally, the duration of the transfer process may vary depending on the amount of data being transferred.
When will this feature be available?
WABetaInfo reports that the beta version of the QR code chat transfer feature is available via the Google Play Store for those who are already enrolled in the beta program. However, the program is currently complete, so new users may have to wait until the feature is rolled out more widely. Also, there is no official timeline of when this functionality will be available in the public version of WhatsApp, but its presence in the beta stage suggests that it could be implemented in the near future.
In terms of availability, the QR code-based transfer method is likely to come to both Android and iOS users. It is being speculated that WhatsApp is working on making this feature a universal solution for transferring chat history across different platforms. Currently, migrating chat history between iOS and Android devices requires accessing a separate section and using a physical cable, a process that is not compatible with older Android versions.
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