Google now gives you an easier way to manage WhatsApp backups

WhatsApp’s data backup process has been somewhat dated for a while. Now, Google is introducing an alternative way to manage WhatsApp backups.

While Play system updates typically don’t contain too many user-facing changes, this new version 26.23 update is evidently different. As Google’s update changelog reveals, users can now manage WhatsApp chat backups directly from device settings (via 9to5Google).

Right now, the backup option is hidden deep within WhatsApp’s settings. But by incorporating this page directly within device settings, Google is making it easier to view or modify the backup parameters.

In addition to letting you manage WhatsApp backups from device settings, the update changelog also mentions an “improved experience” while viewing or updating the Google Contacts sync setting.

For what it’s worth, I’m not seeing this specific version of Play services on my Pixel smartphone just yet. This isn’t uncharacteristic for a Google update, though we hope that changes sooner rather than later. Due to these factors, it’s unclear what the WhatsApp backup management page within device settings will look like.

We expect to find most (if not all) options from WhatsApp’s default backup settings page, including the ability to choose which account to back up to, the backup frequency, which data to back up, cellular and Wi-Fi preferences, among other options.

You can try your luck grabbing the v26.23 Google Play services update by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates > Google Play system update. When available, we expect the backup management page to surface within Settings > System > Backup.

This update coincides with the combined rollout of Android 17 stable and the June 2026 Pixel Drop earlier this week, bringing along a long list of new features for Pixel phones.

Prominent among them is app Bubbles, which lets you turn apps into floating (you guessed it) bubbles for a simplified multitasking experience. Although the feature is ideally suited for foldables and tablets, it’s also available on conventional slab-style smartphones with the new Android 17 update.

As you would imagine, the new Play services update comes bundled with a wide array of bug fixes across Android’s ecosystem of devices, including smartwatches. The changelog also lists “Improve Wallet transaction history experience” on your phone, which should be a nice quality-of-life upgrade.