Google Messages has now become the default messaging app on many Galaxy phones and tablets. Samsung made it the default app to help improve RCS adoption worldwide. Now, Google Messages is getting a backup and restore feature to keep your chats secure.
Google Messages could get backup and restore feature
The latest beta version (20241118_02_RC00) of Google Messages has code strings related to a new system called ‘Backup & Restore.' These code strings were spotted by 9To5Google. Using this system, users can back up all these messages anytime they want. They can also restore their backed-up messages when they set up a new Android phone.
The Backup & Restore option will be visible directly in the Google Messages app so that you don't have to go to the Settings section to initiate a backup. Restoration of messages will happen automatically when you sign into your Google account. There will be an option to ‘Sync media only over Wi-Fi,' and it will be useful if you don't want your cellular data used for huge backups.
All the messages that are backed up by Google Messages have end-to-end encryption. However, if you don't have PIN or fingerprint (or any biometric) set up on your phone, end-to-end encryption won't be available.
Most likely, all your SMS and RCS chats will be backed up with this new backup system in Google Messages. All the messages will be synced across devices that are signed into your Google account.
This isn't something new, as Android phones have always been able to back up messages, but that message backup was handled by the system. The new backup feature is handled by the messaging app.
