Google Messages, which has been the default messaging app for many Android users for years, did not have a dedicated built-in backup and restore system. This meant users had to rely on third-party apps or cumbersome workarounds involving Google Drive backups. However, the latest update to the beta version of Google Messages reveals that its own Backup and Restore feature is in the works.

According to 9to5Google, the new system that appeared in the latest beta version of Google Messages (version 20241118_02_RC00) promises a more streamlined approach to backing up messages. Currently, users can back up their messages through Google One, but this process is not directly integrated with the Messages app. This upcoming feature will change this by introducing a separate section in the app’s settings.

Beta notes indicate that the system will manage “conversations, media and more,” meaning it will back up not only text messages but also multimedia content like photos and videos. Users can also take advantage of automatic recovery: “Your conversations are automatically recovered when you sign in,” the lines reveal. This will be especially useful for those who frequently update their phones or use multiple devices.

Security is another feature. Backups will be encrypted both in transit and at rest. As stated in the beta, “your backup will be end-to-end encrypted and protected by a screen lock.” Users can have the option to “wipe and start” to create a new backup or choose the “Use messages without backup” option altogether. Additionally, users can control data usage with a toggle switch to limit photo and video syncing to Wi-Fi only.

Although the exact release date is unknown, the presence of this feature in the beta version indicates that it is nearing completion. By offering a secure and convenient backup and restore solution, Google Messages is finally catching up with messaging platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage, which have been offering similar features for some time.