WhatsApp is preparing to make a major change to the way we manage backup of our chats. After years of depending almost entirely on Google Drive on Android and iCloud on iPhoneThe messaging app owned by Meta is working on its own cloud storage system that will function as a direct alternative to these services.
This new development comes at a time when many users in Spain and the rest of Europe are encountering 15 GB of free Google storage is almost fullThis is partly due to WhatsApp backups of photos, documents, and other files. With the future cloud integrated into the app, the idea is that chat backups can be saved directly on WhatsApp servers. freeing up space on Google Drive and iCloud and offering more control over where and how that information is stored.
End of total dependence on Google Drive and iCloud
Until now, WhatsApp backups were closely tied to the operating system and services of each platform. On Android devices, chats are typically backed up in Google Drive, sharing space with other content such as photos from Google Photos or Gmail files. In the case of the iPhone, the backup is done in iCloud, with a similar situation regarding available space.
For several years, WhatsApp backups didn't take up space on Google Drive thanks to an agreement between Google and Meta, something that allowed many users store your chats without worrying too much about the 15 GB free limit. However, starting in 2024, that exception has been coming to an end and WhatsApp backups now count towards storage limits.This has led to new full space warnings and the constant temptation to pay up to expand storage capacity.
To avoid users being left with no option but to pay for more storage or delete files, Meta is deploying a different strategy: offering users a WhatsApp's own cloud-based alternativeAccording to information revealed by WABetaInfo, in upcoming versions of the app it will be possible to choose the storage provider for backups, with options such as Google Drive or the new WhatsApp cloud, at least on Android.
This change could be especially noticeable in Europe, where it's very common to take full advantage of Google and Apple's free plans. transfer the backups Moving chats to Meta's infrastructure would free up some of that third-party cloud space and allow for better management of what is stored and where.
Meta insists that, despite using its own servers, you will not have access to the content of the chats that are stored in this private cloud, since everything would be protected with end-to-end encryption and keys managed by the user.
2 GB of free WhatsApp cloud storage
One of the keys to this new system will be the available storage space. Leaks and tests detected in development versions suggest that WhatsApp will offer a free plan with about 2 GB of storage A dedicated space for backups in its own cloud. This space would be separate from what Google Drive or iCloud offer, providing relief for those whose storage is nearly full.
It's still unclear whether the 2 GB of free data will be applied across the board to all users or if it might be tied to additional services, such as WhatsApp Plus subscriptions or similar options, which have already been tested in some regions. For now, the indications point to a potentially broad benefitHowever, we will have to wait for the final implementation to know if there will be limitations by country, account type, or specific conditions.
In addition to the free plan, the company is preparing a higher-tier paid option. Early indications point to a package of Up to 50 GB of WhatsApp cloud storage With an initial price of around $0,99, although it's not yet confirmed whether this would be a monthly, annual, or other type of subscription. It's expected that, if it arrives in Europe, the prices will be adjusted to euros and comply with local regulations.
This free 2GB plan and a paid plan with significantly more storage would suit the way many users use WhatsApp. For those who only want to back up a few important conversations and some specific files, the 2 GB might be enoughOn the other hand, those who They have accumulated years of photos, videos, and documents. Shared storage in groups may need to be purchased in addition to other storage.
In any case, coexistence with Google Drive and iCloud seems to be on the table. That is, users could choose to keep their backups on Google or Apple services, opt for WhatsApp's cloud storage, or combine both options depending on their needs and the available space on each platform.
Enhanced security: end-to-end encryption and 64-digit keys
Beyond storage, security is the other major pillar of this new feature. WhatsApp has repeatedly stated its intention to ensure that backups stored in its own cloud are protected with end-to-end encryption active by default, so that only the user can access the content of those files.
In practice, this means that neither Meta, nor Google, nor Apple, nor other intermediaries should be able to read stored chats, as access is controlled by a encryption key that remains in the user's handsThe tests underway point to different ways of protecting these copies: from traditional passwords to more complex 64-digit keys.
Furthermore, work is underway to integrate modern authentication systems, such as passkeys. This method replaces traditional passwords with more secure, device-linked mechanisms, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or the phone's own lock screen. This would make accessing backups more convenient for the average user, but much more difficult for unauthorized third parties.
The access key could be stored in the system's password manager, which would facilitate restoring the copy when changing mobile phones or logging into a new device. This would be a secure key linked to the device and the user, which would synchronize between trusted teams without the need to remember long numerical combinations.
In any case, those who prefer even more manual control can opt for their own 64-digit encryption key, with the drawback that losing that key would make recovering the backup extremely difficult. This flexibility will allow both advanced users and those with less experience in digital security to find a balance between convenience and protection.
What will this mean for users in Spain and Europe?
For users in Spain and the rest of Europe, where WhatsApp is widely used and a large part of daily communication takes place through the app, this move could have several practical consequences. First, having a dedicated cloud for backupsIt will be easier to free up space in Google Drive or iCloud without giving up saving your conversation history.
Those who have their 15 GB of free Google storage practically full know how complicated it is to decide what to delete: old emails, photos, documents, or WhatsApp backups. Being able to move the latter to a Meta server can be a relatively simple way to avoid having to hire additional storage just for the chat backups.
Furthermore, since it's designed as an integrated solution, the new WhatsApp cloud could simplify some common processes, such as restoring conversations when switching phones. In theory, it would be enough to log in, verify your identity using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or passkey, and Retrieve the backup directly from WhatsApp's serversregardless of whether the user continues to use Android, iOS, or switches devices within the same ecosystem.
This approach aligns with other features the app has introduced in recent years, such as transferring chats between operating systems or the ability to use multiple accounts on the same device. Everything suggests that WhatsApp wants reduce friction when the user switches mobile devices or manages multiple devices, something that is becoming increasingly common.
The improved security is also relevant in an environment like Europe, which is very vigilant regarding privacy and the protection of personal data. The fact that end-to-end encryption is mandatory for backups stored in the WhatsApp cloud and that the access key remains under the user's control can help alleviate concerns. certain doubts about access to stored informationAs protect youHowever, there will always be debate about the role of large technology companies in data processing.
A feature in development that will be rolled out gradually
Although the leaks and screenshots published by WABetaInfo make clear the direction Meta is taking, the reality is that this A new alternative to Google Drive and iCloud is still in the development phase.The company has several testing phases ahead, first in beta versions and later in gradual rollouts to the rest of the users.
It's common for some details to change before the final release of these types of features. These might include the amount of free storage, the terms of the paid plan, the integration of the feature with premium subscriptions like WhatsApp Plus, or how the option is presented to the user within the app's settings.
There is also no official release date for Spain or other European countries at the moment. It is expected that, once the initial testing phase is complete, the feature will be rolled out gradually, starting with certain markets or user groups and then expanding to the rest as any bugs are ironed out.
In any case, the stated objective seems clear: to build a native backup infrastructure that reduces dependence on external services, offers more control over information, and strengthens security without forcing the user to understand all the technical details behind encryption and authentication.
The combination of 2GB of free storage, an affordable paid plan with up to 50GB, and a protection system based on end-to-end encryption, 64-digit keys, and passkeys suggests that WhatsApp wants to become their own alternative to Google Drive and iCloud for chat backupsIf the final implementation follows these general guidelines and the rollout goes smoothly, many users will be able to store years of conversations without overloading the Google or Apple cloud, while maintaining a high level of security and a fairly simple user experience.
