WhatsApp lets users transfer chats locally via WiFi connection

Users who want to transfer WhatsApp chats to a new phone can now use a local Wi-Fi connection to do so. Previously, this was only possible via cloud storage services. To transfer the chats, users must scan a QR code.

The feature is located under the Chats heading in WhatsApp’s settings menu and is called Transfer chats. When installing WhatsApp on a new phone, users are given the option to show a QR code, which must be scanned with the old phone. The files are then transferred via a WiFi connection.

Users must use the same phone number and the feature only works with the same operating system; from Android to iOS, or vice versa, does not work with this function. It was already possible to transfer the chats and other media via cloud storage services, but according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg the new feature is better for user privacy because the chats do not leave the user’s device. Zuckerberg says the feature is available now.