WhatsApp is getting a killer upgrade for switching phone numbers

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Soon WhatsApp users will be able to move their account to a new phone and new phone number hands, all thank you to a new upgrade tipped to be incoming for iOS and Android users.

According to a screenshot from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a characteristic that lets users move their chat and media history from an iPhone a new Android handset. On the same folio, WhatsApp provides the selection to transfer the account to a new phone number.

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If this glimpse at a beta version is real, it ways information technology'll be more user-friendly for users to migrate their accounts to new phones and telephone numbers.

As it is now, the process of changing phones with WhatsApp isn't simple. Chat backups are known to fail, not to mention how long it might take to restore a multi-year message history.

And although WhatsApp already offered a simple tool for switching telephone numbers, information technology just worked if you maintained the same physical telephone. Going forward, information technology seems both processes will be streamlined into the aforementioned settings walkthrough.

The feature, which WABetaInfo calls 'Chat History Migration' is under evolution for both iOS and Android WhatsApp versions. So information technology'southward not available yet, but could make it mode into an app update in the near-future.

In the meantime, you can change your account'due south phone number (merely not your paired telephone) by going toSettings > Account > Alter number in the app. Be sure to cheque out our guide on how to use WhatsApp for more than tips and tricks.

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Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom'south Guide roofing wearables, TVs and everything smart-home related. When she's not in cyborg manner, you lot tin find her on an exercise wheel or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot army will dominion the world ane day, but until so, achieve her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.