WhatsApp will allow you to transfer chats to a new phone using QR codes and without using Google Drive

Whatsapp and I have been stumped for years. Due to my job, which requires me to test multiple phones in a short amount of time, I have to make daily backups and wait 10 to 20 minutes to be able to use the app. Target In itself telephoneuntil the message and file transfer allows me to return to the conversations. This is a very specific problem, and of course you don’t have to suffer because of it. Well, it looks like I won’t be bothered with the new feature to reduce switching time anymore either. safe.

According to WABetaInfo, the 2.23.9.19 beta version of WhatsApp for Android includes a feature to improve the transfer of all messages to a new phone. No need for a Google Drive backup. This, currently reserved for Android devices, has started showing up for some users.

This has several advantages. On the one hand, smartphone switching time is drastically reduced because the process is less dependent on connecting the original smartphone to the cloud and returning data to the new device depending on the available internet speed. On the other hand, we have the opportunity to log in faster to devices previously linked to the main account, since all of them are lost when we change the phone from which we originally logged in.

However, there is no mention of encrypting this process, although of course Meta must respect this protocol since the Google Drive backup is not encrypted. This new scheme should also provide better terms of use for transferring chat history between iOS and Android, although this has not been specified.

WhatsApp and QR codes

At the moment, whatsapp includes scanning a QR code to sign in to other devices or operating systems. Typically, users access the messaging service from WhatsApp Web using a browser or through the WhatsApp desktop application available for various operating systems.

Recently, the Meta sub-brand added the ability to link smartphones and tablets using the same scan procedure, allowing multiple devices connected to the same account.

In this particular case WABetaInformation indicates that this new mechanism is located in the “Chats” section in the settings. After a new window appears announcing the new migration process, a QR code is scanned to allow the transfer. There are no details about using device-to-device communication via a combination of wireless technologies – something like what Nearby does, for example – or if it’s a direct connection to Internet servers. whatsapp.

Whatsapp: how backup works

WhatsApp has a backup feature that allows you to save a copy of your messages and media files in the cloud so that you can restore them if you lose your device or switch to a new one. WhatsApp backup can be done in several ways:

Backup to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS): You can set WhatsApp to automatically back up to the cloud at the intervals you choose. To do this, open the WhatsApp app, go to Settings > Chats > Backup, and select either Google Drive Backup or iCloud Backup. You can also manually make a backup at any time.

Local backup: If you don’t want to back up to the cloud, you can backup locally on your mobile device. To do this, connect your device to your computer and copy the WhatsApp folder to your computer. This option is only recommended if you have enough space on your device and you make frequent backups.

It is important to note that WhatsApp backup does not have end-to-end encryption, which means that your messages and media can be viewed by third parties. Therefore, you should take extra steps to protect your privacy and security, such as enabling two-factor authentication on WhatsApp and making sure your Google or iCloud account is password protected.