If you’re planning to switch from WhatsApp to Arattai but don’t want to lose your old messages, you’re in luck. Arattai now lets you import chats directly from WhatsApp on both Android and iPhone. It only takes a few taps, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to transfer your WhatsApp messages, photos, and videos into Arattai Messenger.
What Is Arattai?
If you haven’t met it yet, Arattai is Zoho’s secure messaging app, proudly built in India. Due to its fast and totally ad-free features and data localization, it is currently creating hype as a “desi WhatsApp.”
Now, it also supports chat import, allowing you to carry your old WhatsApp conversations directly into Arattai. So your chats, jokes, and shared memories come along for the ride.
Also read: Arattai vs WhatsApp: India’s App vs Global Giant
Things to Know Before Importing
Before we start, here are a few important things to know so your import goes smoothly:
What You’ll Need
- Make sure both WhatsApp and Arattai are installed and updated to their latest versions.
- You’ll need to have both apps on the same phone because the export goes directly from one to the other.
- You can only import people or group chats for people who already use Arattai.
- Have a bit of storage space and a stable internet connection, especially if you’re moving large chats.
What Can Be Imported
- Arattai currently allows you to import:
- Individual chats (one-on-one conversations)
- Group chats (You need to create the same group chat on Arattai)
- Messages
- Media files like photos, videos, voice notes, and documents, if you choose the Include Media option when exporting
- Chronological order is preserved, so your chat looks just like it did in WhatsApp.
- Original timestamps of messages are only available on iOS. (You will see the exported timestamps on Android)
Note: Stickers, reactions, and disappearing messages aren’t transferred yet, and some very large video files might be skipped depending on device limits.
A Quick Heads-Up
- You’ll need to export and import each chat one at a time. WhatsApp does not allow auto-sync just yet.
- For group chats, only messages and media will be transferred, not the group settings and participants. The imported messages will display the senders’ names.
- Imported chats are not re-encrypted; instead, they stay static records.
How to Transfer WhatsApp Chats to Arattai
Here are the steps to start transferring your messages:
On Android
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you’d like to export.
- Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner.
- Select More > Export chat.
- Choose between Include media or Without Media. Exporting with media increases the file size and takes more time.
- Once processed, select Arattai from the share menu.
- Choose the matching contact or group in Arattai.
- Hit Import and done!
After selecting Arattai in the share menu, if you haven’t created the group chat yet, tap Import to new group > Import. It will create a new group chat of the same name and transfer the chats.
Once the transfer is completed, you will see the messages organized chronologically with an imported icon (down arrow) on each text bubble. The start and end of the imported messages will have a label to indicate that specific part was transferred from WhatsApp. Also, the timestamp will show the date and time of export on Android.
On iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to move.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top. This opens that chat’s info screen.
- Scroll down and select Export Chat.
- Now, choose between Attach media or Without media. Media files, such as photos, videos, and documents, make the export heavier.
- It will open the Share Sheet. Swipe left on the apps and select Arattai. If you don’t see Arattai in the share menu, tap More and select it from the app list.
- Arattai will show your contact list. Choose the same person or group you’re importing this chat for.
- Tap Import on the prompt.
Arattai will do the rest! Your messages should appear neatly in that conversation, in chronological order. Your recipients will also see the imported message transcripts merged with the existing Arratai chats. Also, iOS shows the original timestamps of messages, unlike Android.
Handy Tips for Smooth Transfer
- One chat at a time: Arattai doesn’t yet support bulk imports, so queue up your favorite ones first.
- Check your storage: Chats with media can take up a lot of space. Do it over Wi-Fi and keep some free storage handy.
- Make sure your friends are there: You can’t import a chat unless the person (or group) exists on Arattai.
- Stay backed up: Keep your WhatsApp backups until you’re confident everything has been imported correctly.
Related: How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone and Android
Troubleshooting Import Issues
So, you’ve followed all the steps, but the import isn’t happening? Here’s what to do:
| Problem | Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chats not showing up | File not shared correctly | Re-export and share to Arattai (.txt format) |
| “File not supported” | File is zipped or in iCloud | Ensure both apps are on the same phone |
| Import button not working | Permissions or outdated apps | Update apps, enable storage access, check internet |
| Stuck on “Processing” | File too large | Try without media, free up storage, restart phone |
| Still no luck | Possible bug | Contact Arattai Support in-app |
Wrapping It Up
That’s it. Your WhatsApp chats are now safe in Arattai Messenger. While switching apps can feel risky, Arattai’s import feature makes the move smooth and secure. Built in India, ad-free, and privacy-focused, Arattai is shaping up as a true alternative to WhatsApp.
Have you tried importing your chats yet? Share your experience in the comments below!
