Technology came to give more practicality, agility and communication between people, even though they are far from each other. An example of this is WhastApp, an instant messaging application that emerged to change the way we communicate via mobile phones.
Over time, this tool has been updated and has brought several updates. Before, when an app user got a new device and needed to transfer WhatsApp files from an Android or iOS cell phone, they had to make a cloud backup and then download the file to the new phone. Now, this process is easier, it is enough that the two cell phones are on the same Wi-Fi network and the QR code for file transfer is read at once.
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However, there are important details for carrying out this process. The function of passing the entire history of conversations, and files that include mutual media such as photos and videos via QR code, can only be done between mobile phones with the same operating system, which means it is only valid between iPhones and between Android devices. Another guideline is that the two devices must be close to each other and connected to the same Wi-Fi network to complete the transfer.
The news was announced on Friday (30) by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, a subsidiary that controls WhatsApp and other social apps, such as Facebook and Instagram.
The new configuration is also intended to ensure the safety of users. That is, the process is encrypted (encryption between them prevents cybercriminals from spying on what is exchanged between phones), which allows file transfer in a secure way, and Meta. In addition to this security feature, this new feature will eliminate the requirement that files go to the cloud and then have to be downloaded to the new device, which will help increase the security of the process in a more practical way.
Learn how to transfer WhatsApp history over Wi-Fi step by step
First, it is necessary to pay attention to an important caveat before starting the process: it is recommended that you back up your data in the cloud to avoid any problems. During testing, Tilt found a bug, which resulted in the loss of recent WhatsApp conversations — the damage was only worse, backed up at dawn.
On Android: Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Google Drive backup
On iOS: Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up now
On the “old” device, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Conversions and tap Start
On the new device, with WhatsApp installed, open the app and make sure it’s the same phone number you used on the ‘old device’.
On the “old” device, the QR code function will open. On the new device, there will be a QR code to read
Scan it with your “old” cell phone, and the Wi-Fi transfer begins.
At the end of the process, all the WhatsApp data from the old phone will be on the new phone.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.