WhatsApp to test first-party encrypted cloud backup provider

WhatsApp is working on its own cloud backup provider in the future, where backups are end-to-end encrypted by default. The update will reduce dependency on third-party services like Google Drive and iCloud, making it easier for users to manage their storage independently.

Passkeys for Secure WhatsApp Backup Encryption

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.24.15 update, we announced a feature that allows users to encrypt their backups using a passkey. This feature enables a more seamless and secure way to protect chat backups. A passkey replaces traditional passwords or long encryption keys with device-based authentication. The passkey is securely stored in the user's password manager, and it can sync across trusted devices linked to the same account. Users can rely on biometric methods such as fingerprint scanning or face recognition, or their device's screen lock, to manage their backups. As a result, chat backups becomes more secure since they are protected with device-bound authentication, that is harder to steal or guess than traditional passwords.

Growing WhatsApp backups and storage limitations

As WhatsApp backups continue to grow in size, they can quickly consume a significant portion of available cloud storage on Google Drive and iCloud. Users are often required to manage their storage carefully, as they need to share available space between WhatsApp data and files, photos, videos, and backups from other applications. This can become inconvenient, especially when free storage limits are reached and additional space must be purchased. Because of this increasing pressure on existing cloud services, WhatsApp is exploring an independent backup storage system.

Current WhatsApp Backup Storage Limits on Android

WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will let users choose where they want to upload their backups. Although this feature is currently under development and scheduled for release in the future, it already promises to offer greater flexibility and control over backup management. At the moment, Android users rely exclusively on Google Drive for storing their WhatsApp backups. There is no option to select an alternative cloud provider. This means that backup size directly affects the available Google account storage, which is shared with other apps and services. Once users reach the storage limit on Google Drive, they must either free up space or buy additional storage to continue creating backups.

WhatsApp is working on a second chat provider option

In a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing a system that lets users choose where to store their backups. Specifically, users will be able to select either Google Drive or a dedicated WhatsApp cloud storage option for saving their chat backups. If users opt for WhatsApp's own cloud, they will receive up to 2 GB of free storage for their backups. However, it is still unclear whether this free storage tier will be available to all users or only to those subscribed to WhatsApp Plus.

Mandatory end-to-end encryption for WhatsApp Cloud Backups

If users choose to upload their backups to WhatsApp's servers, encryption will be mandatory for all stored data. Users will also be able to decide which encryption method they prefer to rely on. The default option suggested by WhatsApp is passkey-based encryption. The passkey allows users to avoid remembering a traditional password. If users prefer not to use a passkey, they can still encrypt their backup using a password or a 64-digit encryption key. In all cases, backups stored on WhatsApp's cloud will remain end-to-end encrypted by default to ensure the best level of security.

WhatsApp may consider a new 50 GB plan for additional storage

WhatsApp also plans to offer a 50 GB storage plan priced at around 0.99 dollars. However, this information is still preliminary. The feature will give users a more affordable option for storing larger chat backups and media files in the cloud. Note that WhatsApp could still adjust the final pricing, storage limits, and availability before the official release. WhatsApp may refine the offer based on testing feedback and different market conditions. As a result, the current details should be considered subject to change.

WhatsApp as an alternative backup storage option is under development

The ability to choose WhatsApp as a backup storage option is currently under development, and it will be available in a future update. WhatsApp is refining the feature to ensure it works properly with existing backup and security settings. Before a potential release, WhatsApp will test the feature in several stages to ensure stability and reliability. Once testing is complete and confirmed, WhatsApp will gradually rollout the feature to select beta testers. Such a solution could help centralize and optimize backup management, and it reduces dependence on third-party cloud providers.

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