WhatsApp is testing a feature to manage chat backups on Android
If you have ever run out of Google Drive storage because of your WhatsApp backups, this update is for you. WhatsApp is developing a new section to manage previous backups, making it easier for users to keep storage under control. Google is also contributing to this project by adding a dedicated backup management section to Android system settings.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Manage WhatsApp backups |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development, and it is not available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp removes the privacy setting to control avatar stickers! |
WhatsApp is testing its own cloud backup provider
In April 2026, we announced that WhatsApp is testing a first-party cloud backup provider as an alternative to Google Drive. With this feature, users will be able to choose between storing their backups on Google Drive or on WhatsApp's own cloud storage. WhatsApp's cloud may offer up to 2 GB of free storage. Beyond that, WhatsApp may also introduce a 50 GB paid plan priced at around $0.99 per month. Backups stored on WhatsApp's servers will be end-to-end encrypted by default, so users do not need to configure anything to keep their chat history protected. Users will be able to encrypt these backups with a passkey as well as traditional passwords and 64-digit encryption keys.
WhatsApp is improving chat backup integration with Google Drive on Android
The feature that will let users choose WhatsApp as their primary backup provider is still under development. In the meantime, WhatsApp is also working on improving how users interact with their existing backups on Google Drive. This is the news we discovered with the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.24.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is working on a new backup management section that gives users more visibility and control over their backups.
How WhatsApp backups work on Android
WhatsApp saves chat history and media to Google Drive on Android, where it counts against the user's Google account storage. Users can choose to back up the chat history manually or set up automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. The backup allows users to save their messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents shared in their conversations. To restore a backup, users need to reinstall WhatsApp and log in with the same phone number and Google account used at the time of the backup. For users who want more security, WhatsApp also offers a feature to encrypt backups with a password or a 64-digit encryption key.
Google adds WhatsApp backup management to Android system settings
With the Google Play Services v26.23 update released on June 15, 2026, Google announced that Android users can now manage their WhatsApp backups directly from their device settings. This adds a new entry point to backup controls without requiring users to open WhatsApp. This change makes WhatsApp backups more accessible since it puts them alongside other system-level data management options on Android. At the moment, Google has not shared further details about the news.
WhatsApp is working on a dedicated section to manage previous backups
Beyond the system-level integration, WhatsApp is also developing a dedicated section inside the app to manage previous backups. This section will allow users to view their existing backups, so they can delete old and duplicate ones to free up storage space. Additionally, the update will include new shortcuts to manage Google Drive storage directly from the browser and WhatsApp backups from the Android device settings. As a result, the in-app experience will connect directly with the system-level integration that Google introduced in Play services v26.23.
WhatsApp is working on a chat backup management feature for a future Android update
The feature that will allow users to manage their chat backups is currently under development. WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers at this stage. In addition, WhatsApp has not announced an official timeline for its release. Since Google has already introduced the system-level entry point in Play services v26.23, we expect WhatsApp to roll out this feature in the near future.
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