How To Backup WhatsApp On Google Drive; Latest Update Lets Users Save Old Conversations

WhatsApp users will be pleased to know that the days of losing their app histories will soon be over. Users will be able to back up conversations, contacts, photos, music and other data in the cloud with the Facebook-owned service’s latest update.

Version 2.12.45 of WhatsApp will allow users to back up all of their app information to Google Drive. The update has not yet been published to the official download page for the multiplatform messenger app, but savvy users can still download and install the software through the APK Mirror site. The tech website Android Police has tested the software and deemed it to be legitimate, safe and a welcome feature for many WhatsApp users. Downloading the file via a smartphone browser will prompt installation.

The new backup feature will be available after installation, and users can access it via Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Backup. The feature will let users set a backup frequency of daily, weekly or monthly, and will allow them to choose a Wi-Fi or cellular connection under which to back up. It also will let users connect to a Google account and store their WhatsApp information to that account’s Google Drive.

WhatsApp performs daily backups at 4 a.m., according to Android Police, but users will be able to access a "backup now" option through the app’s settings. After commencing the initial backup, during which all available WhatsApp files will be saved to Google Drive, the backup will then be incremental based on the frequency selected by the user. Users cannot stop or pause the initial backup process once it's begun.

To access saved files, users can go to Settings > Manage Apps in Google Drive on the Web. Otherwise, WhatsApp’s backed-up files are listed as hidden data. Unfortunately, the backup does not save video files from WhatsApp.

If a user is reinstalling WhatsApp on a new or reset smartphone, he will be prompted to restore information backed up on Google Drive after registering the phone number used for WhatsApp.

Once the version 2.12.45 update is available directly from WhatsApp, users will be able to check for the software in-app via Options > Settings > Updates. Users will also be able to download the update from Whatsapp’s official download page.