WhatsApp Tests Own Encrypted Cloud Backup Provider

WhatsApp is developing an independent cloud backup system designed to offer users greater control over their chat histories.

This upcoming feature will allow users to store their backups securely on WhatsApp’s native servers.

The update aims to reduce reliance on third-party cloud services like Google Drive and Apple’s iCloud while enforcing strict cryptographic standards.

Solving the Storage Limit Problem

As users share more high-resolution media, WhatsApp chat backups frequently consume significant portions of personal cloud storage.

Currently, Android and iOS users must store their backups on their respective default cloud providers.

This setup forces users to share their limited storage space across emails, device backups, and heavy WhatsApp data files.

Once a user reaches their storage limit, they must either delete files or purchase additional space from Google or Apple.

To address this data bottleneck, WhatsApp is building a dual-provider system.

Users will soon have the flexibility to stick with their current third-party service or switch to WhatsApp’s dedicated backup platform.

Key details regarding the new storage ecosystem include:

• WhatsApp will offer a free tier with up to 2 GB of storage. However, it remains unclear whether this will be available to all users or reserved exclusively for WhatsApp Plus subscribers.
• Developers are considering a premium storage plan offering 50 GB of space for approximately $0.99.
• This premium tier provides an affordable alternative for users managing massive chat archives and media libraries.
• All pricing models and storage limits are preliminary and subject to change based on market testing.

Mandatory End-to-End Encryption

Security remains the central focus of this independent storage system. If a user selects WhatsApp’s native cloud for backups, end-to-end encryption becomes mandatory for all data stored in the cloud.

This ensures that chat histories remain completely inaccessible to unauthorized parties, threat actors, and even WhatsApp itself.

To make this encryption both highly secure and user-friendly, WhatsApp is integrating device-based authentication.

According to WABetaInfo, users will have three options to secure their backup data:

• Passkeys serve as the default method, allowing users to unlock backups using hardware-backed biometric scans, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
• Traditional alphanumeric passwords remain available for users who prefer manual entry.
• A 64-digit encryption key offers a manual recovery option for advanced users wanting maximum cryptographic control.

Passkeys represent a major security upgrade for average users.

Because they are securely stored in a password manager and tied to trusted devices, they eliminate the risk of forgotten passwords while protecting against remote phishing attacks.

The WhatsApp Chat Backup Provider is currently under active development.

Engineers are rigorously testing the feature to ensure it integrates seamlessly with existing security frameworks.

Following internal validation, the feature will gradually roll out to select beta testers before receiving a wider public launch.

This capability marks a significant shift in how the platform handles user data, optimizing backup management while reinforcing mobile security.

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