WhatsApp officially rolls out QR code-based data transfer
New method can be used to transfer data between phones with the same operating systems
July 01, 2023
World-renowned messaging application WhatsApp has officially rolled out a new way to transfer chats from one phone to another.
The newly-announced method for transfer is QR code-based and can be used to move data between phones with the same operating systems.
The only thing users need is a local Wi-Fi connection.
However, to transfer chat history, both devices must be turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step-by-step guide on how to transfer chats:
1. Open WhatsApp on the old device and go to Settings > Chats > Chat transfer.
2. Once you complete this step, a QR code will appear.
3. Scan the QR code from the new phone.
The data is encrypted and shared only between the two devices over your local network, making the QR code-based method more secure than third-party solutions.
This is the first time the company is introducing a local transfer method for transferring data. Previously users could only use cloud backups for migrating data between devices. However, then too, the transfer required a similar operating system — iOS or Android.
It must be noted, however, that while WhatsApp does support iOS to Android and Android to iOS migration, both methods are slightly more complicated.
Earlier this year, the messaging platform also announced that it was rolling out a multi-device feature for a single account, enabling users to access their chats on multiple devices.
