WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that will allow its users backup chats log on Google’s cloud service, Google Drive.
With the new feature on WhatsApp, users can restore their chat logs from Google Drive even after the loss or replacement of their SD card or device.
The new feature works just like WhatsApp’s traditional backup module, but with a bit of a tweak.
Here is how it is done.
1. Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp. This is tricky. The latest release of Whatsapp is not available on the play store yet. You can get an unofficial release here. The version should be 2.12.45.
2. Change your backup setting. You can do this by heading to settings; chat settings;chat backup. The backup is turned off by default, turn it on by changing the backup frequency to any of the time range specified; daily, weekly and monthly.
3. Choose your backup location. Until now, the options for backup there were SD card or phone memory, now you have your mail. Click on the “account” option and choose what email you want to back up on. It helps especially if you have more than one e-mail account like I do.
4. That should be pretty much all, but there is still another all important detail. Choose the preferred connection you want to back up on; WiFi or WiFi & cellular.
5. Now that’s all.
Your backup will automatically set up for 4am when WhatsApp servers back up chats. But its possible you are overwhelmed by the new toy syndrome, like I was, so, there is a “Back up now” option to back up right away if you want. So, back up and watch as your chats log take on immortality powered by cloud.
Can I still back up on my SD card or phone memory?
This alternative is not on the backup options. So, it is likely we won’t have SD backups anymore. So it’s go Google or go away.
Does backing up on Google Drive make my chat logs vulnerable?
Hardly. Google drive is a secure cloud storage service, and no serious compromise has been recorded yet. So, rest assured your data aren’t with the NSA, yet.
Can I view my backup on google drive?
No. The WhatsApp data is marked as “hidden” in Google Drive so you can’t access them.
Do I get to back up all my multimedia?
Not yet. According to Android Police; only coversations and photos are backed up for now.
Will backup mute other activities on whatsapp?
No, instant messaging will remain active, as well as the new-fangled VoIP option even while the backup is running.
This is the most recent update from the Facebook owned messenger which had seen us get a web client for WhatsApp, the much anticipated voice call and a new material design UI.
Gbenga Onalaja contributed to this post.
Photo Credit: MACONFI via Compfight cc
