Meta has been really active lately, implementing new features to WhatsApp at an alarming rate. Using the same WhatsApp account on four devices at the same time is one of the most recent ones, as is saving disappearing messages for later. Now, the instant messaging app is said to be working on a new feature that will make it easier for Android users to switch chats between devices while also removing the app’s reliance on Google.
WhatsApp presently allows Android users to backup their messages and media to Google Drive in order to restore them on a new device if necessary. However, because WhatsApp lacks a dedicated feature for this, Android users are forced to rely on Google Drive. But not any longer. Wabetainfo, a blog that analyzes all of WhatsApp’s latest advancements, previously revealed that WhatsApp is working on a new feature for Android users. According to the same source, WhatsApp has begun testing this new chat transfer option for Android users, which does not rely on Google Drive for backup.
According to the source, WhatsApp is rolling out a new chat transfer functionality for some beta testers with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.19 update, which is now available on the Google Play Store. Users will be able to move their chat history to a new Android device once the chat transfer feature is available in WhatsApp Settings > Chats. Users must scan the QR code and follow the instructions to get all of their conversation history and data, including media, to begin the migration process. The tool will also provide customers with a quick and simple migration experience by eliminating the need for manual backup of chat history to Google Drive, which can take a long time depending on the amount of the conversation history. Users can quickly move their chat history from their old Android device to a new Android device by scanning the QR code, as the process is automatic.
Notably, the new feature is currently being tested, and only a limited number of beta testers have access to it. However, in future app updates, WhatsApp will make the feature available to all Android devices. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is developing another feature for Android users who use the instant messaging app on tablets. According to Wabetainfo’s previous reports, Meta-owned WhatsApp is developing a new “side-by-side” capability for some Android tablet users.
According to reports, the functionality will allow users to multitask on their large tablet window by dividing their screen into two sections: one for the chat list and one for the current chat. Users will be able to simply move between chats without missing any messages in this manner. The functionality, however, will be optional, and users will be able to stop the side-by-side view at any time by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats and toggle the option to disable the side-by-side view. The feature is currently in beta testing and will be made available to more people in the near future.