WhatsApp To Get New Import Backup Feature For Hassle-Free Chat Backups

WhatsApp is reportedly working on introducing a new feature which will allow users to import app data from their local backups. This function arrives on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.20.10 update.

A few months back, it was reported that the messaging platform is developing a feature which will allow users to export backups stored on Google Drive. This feature will allow users to have a local copy of all their WhatsApp chats as well as media. While the purpose behind the export backup option was unclear back then, the new import backup feature appears to answer a lot of questions.

As spotted by WABetaInfo, the import backup option pops up when you either reinstall the app or use a different device to log in to WhatsApp. If you select “import,” the app will restore the backup that you had exported from your previous device. This feature was spotted on an Android device, and there’s no word on whether it will arrive on iPhones as well. Currently, WhatsApp stores backups on Google Drive for Android phones. Meanwhile, iPhones rely on iCloud backups.

The import backup option will make it more convenient to restore older chats and media. It can come in handy in places with spotty Wi-Fi. Earlier this year, it was reported that Google is planning to limit its Google Drive storage for WhatsApp backups. WhatsApp might be trying to offer users an alternative by allowing them to import local backups. Thus, users will no longer have to depend on Google and can continue to enjoy unlimited storage.

Do note that the option to export and import a backup is still in the works and the update hasn’t been rolled out to beta testers.