WhatsApp is working on a way to let users transfer chats between Android and iOS when changing smartphones or even their phone number, as per a report published by WABetaInfo, a service that tracks new and upcoming features on the encrypted messaging application.
The new feature seems to be an extension of the ability to transfer WhatsApp chat history from device to another, however, this time it contains the option to transfer between different platforms such as Android to iOS and vice versa.
This transfer uses a Chat History Migration Tool, which is currently said to be in a testing phase by WhatsApp and will allow users to transfer chats from one platform to another, including media. The ability to transfer WhatsApp chat between Android and iOS will be a really helpful feature for those looking to switch between these two platforms.
WABetaInfo reports that the new Chat History Migration Tool that is being tested by WhatsApp not only allows users to transfer their chats from one platform to another but also when the new device has a different phone number. For instance, if you are changing your phone number and switching from Android to iOS at the same time, you will be able to transfer your WhatsApp chats without any hassle whatsoever.
WhatsApp currently allows you to transfer chats from one device to another or even change phone number, however, the old and new device needs to be on the same platform. This mean you can only transfer chats between different Android devices and iPhones respectively but not between these two different platforms.
However, a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows that you will only be able to transfer WhatsApp chats between Android and iOS / iPhone when you are setting up the application and if you skip this step, you will not get this option again.
This was a much needed feature and surely comes at a time when WhatsApp has been loosing many users due to its updated privacy policy that the company is trying to force on everyone. It seems like the company is looking into new ways to keep the app more attractive and keep users from switching to other applications.
Read more: WhatsApp introduces playback speed feature for voice notes.