WhatsApp Could Soon Get Chat History Backup, Restore via Google Drive

Leaked WhatsApp translation requests tip that the popular messenger service will soon offer backup/ restore options for chat history and media via Google Drive.

The WhatsApp translation requests, text strings sent by the company to volunteers to translate UI and other text, indicate the company is working to integrate Google Drive for backing up text messages and media excluding videos. Text strings for options to back up to Google Drive only via Wi-Fi, or to allow use of cellular data were visible well.

The text string translation requests, tipped by a WhatsApp translation group member to Android Police, have been confirmed by Dutch website DroidApp.nl as well, which claims it also received a similar translation request.

(Also see: WhatsApp Voice Calling for iPhone Coming in 'Couple of Weeks': Co-Founder)

One of the requests indicates that the restoring via Google Drive feature is offered to users when they log in on a new device, but if users don't accept they will lose their backup from their previous device.

So far, there has been no confirmation about the rollout of the backup and restore via Google Drive feature from WhatsApp.

In the past however, leaked translation requests have been a reliable indicator of upcoming features. In fact, even the now much-desired WhatsApp voice calling feature was tipped as early as April last year in the form of a Hindi translation request.

If real, the Google Drive backup feature could be a real boon for users that struggle with the current backup and restore feature.

Currently, WhatsApp offers a backup method for Android users that requires them to back up their conversations via Menu Button > Settings > Chat settings, then check whether their WhatsApp/Database folder is located on their external microSD card or device's internal memory, transfer the folder over the new device which must have the same phone number, install the app on the new device, and then click Restore when prompted.

Users cannot restore chat history from any other phone type to Android, or from Android to another phone type. WhatsApp adds that it is possible that some files will go missing during the transfer.