Last updated on October 15th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
Instant messaging has become the lifeblood of modern communication. But privacy scandals and a desire for local alternatives have many users looking beyond Meta’s WhatsApp. Arattai, a messaging app from Zoho Corporation in India, offers a fresh take on private chat. It blends familiar features with local flavour, integrates meetings and cloud storage, and promises a business‑friendly ecosystem without intrusive ads. This guide walks you through why and how to switch from WhatsApp to Arattai.
Why Consider Arattai?
- Homegrown alternative: Arattai is built by the Indian tech firm Zoho. Its name means “casual chat” in Tamil. The app is designed for both personal and business use.
- Zero‑ads model: Arattai does not run on advertising revenue. This means no profiling or data selling.
- Data residency: All data is stored in Indian data centres. For users in India this adds an extra layer of legal protection.
- Meeting and Pocket features: The app includes built‑in video meetings and a personal cloud called Pocket. These tools allow you to schedule team calls and save files without a third‑party service.
- Mentions and channels: Like Slack, you can jump to messages that mention you. Channels let you broadcast updates to a broad audience.
- Cultural relevance: Arattai offers regional stickers, local themes and support for Indian languages. It feels familiar and personalised compared to generic messaging apps.
- Multi‑device and Android TV support: Use Arattai on multiple phones, desktops or an Android TV. WhatsApp’s desktop client is improving but still lags behind.
- Upcoming enterprise integration: Zoho plans to tie Arattai into its broader productivity suite. This could make it a powerful collaboration tool.
- Privacy commitment: Calls are end‑to‑end encrypted and messages are being improved for full encryption. WhatsApp uses the Signal protocol for messaging and calls but shares metadata with Meta; Arattai avoids that business model.
Comparing Arattai with Competitors
| App | Key strengths | Major trade‑offs |
|---|---|---|
| Massive user base, end‑to‑end encrypted chats and calls, familiar interface, integrated with Meta services | Owned by Meta; collects metadata; targeted ads coming; limited business tools | |
| Signal | Open‑source; end‑to‑end encryption for everything; minimal data collection; nonprofit funding | Smaller network; fewer social features; tied to a phone number |
| Telegram | Huge file sharing, bots, channels, optional usernames; cross‑platform; no contact number needed for usernames | Default chats are not end‑to‑end encrypted; cloud‑based storage means messages reside on Telegram’s servers |
| Arattai | Built in India; no ads; data stored locally; meetings and cloud storage; local languages and stickers; cross‑device including Android TV | End‑to‑end encryption still rolling out for text messages; smaller user base; manual chat import from WhatsApp |
Understanding these differences will help you decide if Arattai suits your priorities. If complete encryption is your top concern, Signal remains the gold standard. If you rely on huge group channels and bots, Telegram may be better. For those who want a feature‑rich, locally managed app without Meta’s data practices, Arattai is a compelling choice.
Prepare for the Move
Switching messaging apps can be daunting because of the network effect. Most of your friends and colleagues are likely on WhatsApp. Before migrating, take some time to prepare:
- Inform your contacts: Tell close friends and family about your plan. Share why you’re switching and invite them to install Arattai. The app has shareable invitation links to make this easy.
- Identify important chats: Decide which conversations or groups you need to preserve. You can import each chat manually into Arattai, but group participants and settings won’t transfer.
- Check storage space: Exporting WhatsApp chats with media can consume up to 500 MB per chat. Ensure your phone has enough space for the exported files and the Arattai app.
- Update both apps: Ensure WhatsApp and Arattai are updated to their latest versions on your device. The import function may not appear if Arattai is outdated.
Step‑by‑Step Migration Process
Step 1: Download and Install Arattai
- Android: Go to Google Play Store and search for “Arattai – Chat & Calling app”. Tap Install. Once installed, open the app.
- iOS: Open the App Store, search for “Arattai” and install it. Launch the app after installation.
- Web/Desktop: If you want to use Arattai on a desktop or browser, visit
web.arattai.inand log in after creating your account on mobile. - Android TV: If you own an Android TV, you can download Arattai from the TV’s app store and use it for video calls and chat.
Step 2: Sign Up and Set Up Your Account
- Register with your mobile number: Arattai uses your phone number, similar to WhatsApp. Enter your number and verify via OTP.
- Create a profile: Add your name and a profile photo. This makes it easier for your contacts to recognise you.
- Allow permissions: Grant access to your contacts and media to enable messaging and file transfer.
- Explore settings: Navigate to Settings to adjust notifications, language preferences and privacy options. Enable two‑factor authentication if available.
Step 3: Export Individual WhatsApp Chats
WhatsApp does not allow automatic migration to other platforms. You need to export each chat individually.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat or group you want to export.
- Tap the three‑dot menu in the top right corner and choose More > Export Chat.
- Choose with or without media: Selecting With Media includes photos, videos and documents (file size up to 500 MB). Without Media exports only text messages and saves space.
- When prompted with sharing options, select Arattai. If you don’t see Arattai, update the app or scroll through the list of apps.
Step 4: Import Chats into Arattai
- When Arattai receives the exported file, it detects whether it’s a one‑to‑one chat or a group chat.
- For a 1‑1 chat, Arattai merges the history into your existing conversation with that contact. The messages will appear in chronological order and will be labelled “Imported” for clarity.
- For a group chat, Arattai prompts you to choose:
- Import into an existing Arattai group (you must be an admin) or
- Create a new group with the imported history.
- Media files, if included, will appear alongside the imported messages. Note that only the chat history imports; existing participants or admin settings do not carry over.
- Repeat this process for each chat you want to keep. Because it’s a manual process, plan your time accordingly.
Step 5: Adjust and Secure Your New Environment
- Review privacy settings: Arattai offers toggles for read receipts, last seen and who can add you to groups. Fine‑tune these settings to your comfort level.
- Lock your app: Use your phone’s biometric or passcode lock to secure Arattai. The app may also provide an internal lock feature.
- Organise your chats: Pin important chats, mute noisy groups and arrange your contacts just as you did in WhatsApp.
- Check imported messages: Imported chats are static records. They are not end‑to‑end encrypted, so treat them as archives rather than sensitive conversations.
Step 6: Invite Friends and Explore Features
- Send invites: Use Arattai’s built‑in invite tool to bring more people over. Without your network, a messaging app remains empty.
- Create groups and channels: Set up family or work groups, or create a public channel to broadcast news. Use mentions to catch someone’s attention, similar to Slack.
- Try Meetings: Schedule video meetings directly inside Arattai. This feature is handy for remote work or family calls and removes the need for Zoom or Google Meet.
- Use the Pocket: Save files, voice notes or links to your personal Pocket for easy access across devices.
- Test Arattai Web and TV: Log in on a browser or Android TV to experience the multi‑device sync and enjoy video calls on a larger screen.
Post‑Migration Considerations
- Network effect: You may still need WhatsApp until your circles move over. Keep both apps installed during transition.
- Encryption trade‑off: Currently, Arattai’s calls are end‑to‑end encrypted; text chats are expected to gain full encryption soon. If ultimate privacy is crucial today, continue using Signal for sensitive conversations.
- Data backup: Arattai syncs across devices, but it doesn’t yet provide encrypted cloud backups like WhatsApp or Signal. Keep local copies of important conversations.
- Regular updates: Zoho is actively developing Arattai. Update the app frequently to benefit from security improvements and new features.
Final Thoughts
Switching from WhatsApp to Arattai isn’t just about installing a new app. It’s a deliberate choice to support a local ecosystem and to reclaim some control over your data. Arattai offers fresh features like meetings, a personal cloud and Slack‑style mentions while promising a no‑ads business model. However, it still has to catch up in areas like full end‑to‑end encryption and widespread adoption.
By following this guide, you can move your important conversations over, set up your account securely and start exploring what Arattai has to offer. You’ll also be better positioned to weigh its strengths against established giants like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. The messaging landscape is evolving, and having options helps you choose the platform that aligns with your values and needs.
