On Android devices, WhatsApp is testing a streamlined way to move chat histories from an old phone to a new one without relying on Google Drive backup. The information comes from researchers and experts tracking the development of this new transfer capability, with WABetaInfo providing early insights into how the feature works and what users can expect. The goal is to simplify the migration process while keeping chat content intact as users switch devices. This reporting reflects ongoing work by the WhatsApp engineering team and the beta community contributing to the feature’s refinement [WABetaInfo].
The core idea behind this upcoming option is to permit a direct transfer of chats between Android devices, bypassing the need to upload chat data to a cloud service first. In practical terms, a user could set up a new Android handset, initiate the WhatsApp installation, and use a QR-based pairing method to begin migrating messages, images, voice notes, and other chat media from the old device. Such a capability would address a long-standing friction point for many users who prefer to minimize cloud interactions or who operate in environments with limited or costly cloud storage capacity [WABetaInfo].
At present, the feature remains in development and is accessible only within the beta version of WhatsApp for Android. For instance, WhatsApp 2.23.1.26 in the beta channel has shown glimpses of the copy option’s functionality, including the user flow described above. Beta testers are experimenting with scanning a QR code on the new phone to initiate the transfer, after which the system guides the user through selecting which chats and media to migrate and confirming the completion of the process. The beta stage aims to validate reliability, speed, and compatibility across different device configurations before a broader rollout [WABetaInfo].
There is no current indication that this Android-only transfer flow will be extended to iOS devices in the near term. Historically, WhatsApp has staggered feature releases between Android and iOS, sometimes introducing capabilities on one platform first and then porting them to the other later. Users considering a switch should stay updated on official WhatsApp announcements and the beta community notes to understand when cross-platform migration tools might arrive or change plans could occur [WABetaInfo].
Beyond chat migration, WhatsApp has recently explored options to revise how users connect to the service in constrained network conditions, including experimental proxy-based routing. While the proxy feature is discussed in separate updates, it illustrates the broader push toward flexible connectivity and privacy-preserving options. As with any proxy use, users should weigh potential impacts on latency, reliability, and data visibility, and rely on the official guidance provided by WhatsApp and reputable beta reports to navigate these choices responsibly [WABetaInfo].