WhatsApp can now transfer chat history between iPhone and Android

WhatsApp can now transfer conversation history betwixt iPhone and Android — hither'due south how

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Switching between iPhone and Android has always been a pain, but a new WhatsApp update should make jumping from one operating arrangement to the other much easier.

WhatsApp says it'southward a forthcoming feature volition allow both iOS and Android users to move their entire chat history, voice notes and photos between devices. The announcement came as role of the Galaxy Unpacked upshot where Samsung introduced the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable phones.

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During the presentation, the feature was shown using Samsung'southward Smart Switch app, which is just bachelor on Samsung devices. The app helps transfer contacts, photos, music messages, notes and more between iPhone and other Android devices to Samsung handsets.

It may be limited to Samsung phones for now, simply WhatsApps transfer feature isn't staying that manner. In a divide announcement, Whatsapp said both Android and iOS users volition be able to accept advantage of the characteristic, significant Android users will be able to use it when switching to Apple devices. The feature'southward coming to Android first, co-ordinate to Whatsapp.

Using the feature sounds straightforward, at least for Samsung devices. Users will need to connect their phones via a USB Type-C to Blazon-C or Lightning cable, launch the Smart switch app, scan the QR lawmaking with the old handset and the export should start. Users will then as well demand to sign into WhatsApp on their new device to consummate the import.

Because WhatsApp messages are encrypted and stored on the device, developers had to create a tool to move chat history forth with boosted support from Google, Apple tree and device manufacturers.

"Your WhatsApp messages belong to yous," said Sandeep Paruchuri, production manager at WhatsApp in a statement put out past the company. "That's why they are stored on your phone past default, and not attainable in the cloud like many other messaging services.

"We're excited for the offset time to make it like shooting fish in a barrel for people to securely transfer their WhatsApp history from one operating system to some other. This has been one of our near requested features from users for years and nosotros worked together with operating systems and device manufacturers to solve information technology."

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Imad Khan is news editor at Tom's Guide, helping direct the twenty-four hour period's breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a full-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Post and ESPN. Outside of work, you can detect him sitting blankly in front of a Word certificate trying desperately to write the offset pages of a new book.