Where is the file from WhatsApp uploaded - briefly?
The file from WhatsApp is typically uploaded to your device's internal storage or a connected cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud, depending on the settings and options selected during the upload process.
Where is the file from WhatsApp uploaded - in detail?
When a user uploads a file to WhatsApp, the process involves several stages and locations where the data is temporarily or permanently stored.
Firstly, the file is initially stored on the user's device within the WhatsApp application directory. This directory is typically located in the internal storage of the device and is managed by WhatsApp for efficient access to media files such as photos, videos, and documents.
Once the file is selected for upload, it is temporarily cached in the device's memory (RAM) to facilitate a smooth transfer process. Simultaneously, WhatsApp begins the encryption process to ensure the security of the data. The file is encrypted using end-to-end encryption, which means only the sender and recipient can access its content.
After encryption, the file is divided into smaller packets and prepared for transmission over the internet. These packets are then sent to WhatsApp's servers through a secure connection. WhatsApp uses Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) as part of its infrastructure to handle the storage and transfer of these files.
On the server side, the file packets are temporarily stored in cache memory while awaiting delivery to the recipient's device. Once delivered, the recipient's WhatsApp application receives the encrypted packets and reassembles them into the original file. The file is then decrypted and made available for viewing or downloading within the user's WhatsApp media directory on their device.
It is important to note that WhatsApp does not permanently store uploaded files on its servers beyond the brief period necessary for transmission. Once a message is delivered, the related files are deleted from WhatsApp's servers unless the automatic media download setting is enabled by the recipient, in which case the file may be stored temporarily until it can be securely downloaded to the device.
In summary, the journey of a WhatsApp uploaded file includes several stages: initial storage on the sender's device, temporary caching and encryption, transfer through secure servers, reception and decryption by the recipient's device, and finally, storage in the recipient's WhatsApp media directory. This process ensures that files are handled securely and efficiently throughout their lifecycle.