WhatsApp creates its own encrypted storage space for your chats.
WhatsApp is working on one of its most ambitious new features in years. The app aims to completely eliminate reliance on external services like Google Drive or iCloud, launching its own cloud backup system with end-to-end encryption enabled by default.
This feature, which is still under development, will allow users to choose where their backups are stored. Until now, WhatsApp on Android has relied exclusively on Google Drive, meaning the available space is shared with other files, photos, and apps. This could become a problem when the free storage runs out, forcing users to pay for additional space.
With this new approach, WhatsApp will offer its own alternative. Users will be able to choose between continuing to use third-party services or storing their chats directly on the platform's servers. This change aims to give users more control over their data and reduce their reliance on third parties.
One of the app's key features is security. If you choose to store your data on WhatsApp, all backups will be fully encrypted. Additionally, the app will allow the use of passcodes, a system that replaces traditional passwords with more secure, device-based methods. These include fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, or even the phone's lock screen.
This system makes it difficult for third parties to access backups, as it does not rely on keys that can be leaked or guessed. However, those who prefer this can still use traditional passwords or even a 64-digit encryption key.
WhatsApp plans to offer around 2GB of free cloud storage, though it's unclear whether this option will be available to all users. A larger paid plan, potentially offering up to 50GB at a reduced price, is also under consideration.
Although there is no release date yet, this feature will be rolled out gradually after several testing phases.