WhatsApp could use Google’s Data Restore Tool to transfer chats from iOS to Android

• The latest update to Google’s Data Restore Tool shows references for WhatsApp chat migration from an iPhone.
• This will make it possible for users to retain their WhatsApp chats while switching from an iPhone to Android
• WhatsApp’s chat migration feature is still in testing, and not available to users yet.

Google introduced the ‘Data Restore Tool’ as a standalone app on the Play Store last week. This built-in tool on Android devices is used to transfer data from an old device to a new one. Google has added a new update to the Data Restore Tool that has references for transferring WhatsApp chats. This could enable cross-platform support on WhatsApp, a feature that has been in the works for months. It's also one of the most awaited WhatsApp features as users switching to an Android phone from an iPhone would lose all their chat history. This problem is finally getting fixed.

The latest update to the Data Restore Tool app includes preparation for copying your WhatsApp chat history from an iPhone, according to a report by 9to5Google. The app will display a QR code which you will have to scan on your iPhone to start the chat migration process. You can also do this manually by opening WhatsApp on your iPhone then going to Settings > Chats > Move Chats to Android. Throughout the entire process you will have to keep your iPhone unlocked and WhatsApp open. With this latest discovery it looks like WhatsApp is getting closer to launching cross-platform support for Android and iOS devices.



Earlier this month WABetaInfo had demonstrated the process of transferring your chat history from iOS to Android. The chat transfer process will be possible only in the beginning when switching to a new Android device. WhatsApp users will also require a data cable to transfer the chats to their Android phone. The chat migration process does seem slightly old school but it will be a one-time thing. Rest of the process is similar to restoring chat history on WhatsApp. The new feature is expected to be available for WhatsApp beta testers soon.

WhatsApp recently made multi-device support available for beta testers. This is another major feature that lets you use WhatsApp on your desktop even if your phone doesn’t have an internet connection. It also allows you to use WhatsApp on another phone including the web and desktop apps. WhatsApp is yet to announce when it will make multi-device support and chat migration available to all users.

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