A few potential fixes to WhatsApp chat backup getting stuck on your Galaxy phone

Many WhatsApp users are reporting an issue related to the backup function getting stuck at 100%. The problem seemingly affects Android users, Galaxy smartphone owners, and iOS customers in equal measure. It crosses all mobile platforms, and as of this writing, there doesn’t seem to be a definitive solution in sight. Nevertheless, WhatsApp users can try to work around the problem with a bit of tweaking.

The WhatsApp chat backup problem

WhatsApp has a backup option that syncs data with Google Drive. Users have to opt-in before using it, and once they do, they can allow WhatsApp to perform regular backups of chat messages and media files to Google Drive.

A notification — complete with a progress bar — is sent to the user when a backup starts. So far, so good. But the problem that many WhatsApp users face is a progress bar that gets stuck at 100%.
From our own experience using WhatsApp on various Galaxy smartphones, the backup process finishes eventually, though it’s painfully slow and can take hours.

Various solutions have been attempted to fix this issue permanently, but none seem to have worked. There are, however, several possible temporary solutions that could help you get past the stuck backup process faster.

The problem is very likely to reoccur later on, and some fixes might not always work. But if you’re one of the many WhatsApp users getting nagged by this issue, then there’s not much else you can do except for waiting or trying to work around the issue. So, here are a few fixes that Galaxy smartphone owners and affected WhatsApp users can try.

Ways to try getting WhatsApp chat backup unstuck

First things first, let’s get the more obvious possible solution out of the way by making sure that you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. It’s up to you if you want to update your existing app or uninstall it first, but if you’re looking for a clean install, you’re more likely to get results from clearing the app’s cache.

Clear WhatsApp cache

Tap and hold the WhatsApp shortcut and tap the small “i” (info) button. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app on the phone, go to Apps, scroll all the way down to and tap WhatsApp.

Then, go to Storage and tap the Clear Cache button in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Make sure you have the right Google account linked with WhatsApp

WhatsApp uses Google Drive to sync data, which means that a Google account is required to perform automated backups. And while this is unlikely to be the root of your problem, there’s a theory that if the Google account linked to WhatsApp is inactive, the backup-to-Google Drive function could run into issues.

To check if you have the right Google account linked with WhatsApp, open the app and tap the three-dot button located in the upper-right corner. Go to Settings and access the Chats category. From there, tap Chat backup and make sure you have the right Google account.

It could be as easy as closing WhatsApp from recent apps

If the backup process runs in the background for long enough, it could be that the system puts WhatsApp to sleep as the backup process continues. It might look like the process is stuck at 100%, but it might’ve been completed already while the app was asleep. What you’re seeing could be a leftover notification.

If you want to test this, simply close WhatsApp from recent apps when you think that the chat backup process is stuck, and then reopen the app. Notice if the backup process completes or hangs again.

Back up WhatsApp chat over Wi-Fi only

4G is fast enough for backing up WhatsApp chats, not to mention the fact that 5G is becoming more widespread, but if your app decides to perform a backup when you’re not connected to a Wi-Fi network, then poor cellular coverage might lead to the WhatsApp backup progress bar slowing down or even getting stuck.

You can set WhatsApp to back up chat data only when the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. To do this, open the Settings menu in WhatsApp, access the Chats category and Chat backup section, and tap Back up over. Select Wi-Fi only from the drop-down menu.

Lower the amount of data WhatsApp has to back up by excluding video

WhatsApp lets users back up not only text chat to Google Drive but video messages as well. Evidently, videos take a lot more data than text, and this could make the progress bar look like it’s stuck, or it might even cause the backup process to freeze.

You can try lowering the amount of WhatsApp chat data being backed up to Google Drive by excluding video data. To do this, go to WhatsApp settings and access Chats, tap Chat backup, and turn off Include videos.

Delete existing WhatsApp chat backups from Google Drive

And lastly, you can try deleting your WhatsApp chat backup files from Google Drive and start fresh with a new backup, assuming you’ve taken the proper precautions in case you need to preserve your data.

To delete WhatsApp chat backups in Google Drive, open your Google Drive account in your browser, click the cog icon in the top-right corner to access Settings, then click Manage Apps and look for WhatsApp Messenger. Click the Options drop-down menu and clear the app data.

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This new Targus Phone Dock supports DeX and external storage in Knox

Mobile accessory manufacturer Targus has announced a new USB-C docking station for smartphones, and it’s packed with various connectors for peripherals, including Ethernet. More importantly, Targus has partnered with Samsung to make its new Universal USB-C Phone Dock compatible with the South Korean tech giant’s DeX environment.

The Universal USB-C Phone Dock allows Samsung smartphone users to connect their handsets to an external monitor through an HDMI port. It’s essentially a souped-up alternative to the official Samsung DeX Cable, except it’s also a hub boasting USB 3.2 ports, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone port, and an Ethernet port for a closer-to-desktop experience.

The Phone Dock’s external storage is compatible with Samsung Knox

Although Targus’ latest solution is a universal phone dock that can work with other brands of smartphones, it’s evident that the company’s main focus was to create an accessory that’s capable of taking advantage of Samsung’s ecosystem.

Aside from the Targus Universal Phone Dock offering compatibility with Samsung DeX, the hub also has compatibility with the company’s Knox secure platform. It allows the SD card slot can be used inside the Knox environment.

Finally, the Phone Dock has a tilt function supporting two viewing angles — 60 and 75 degrees — for use cases that don’t require a DeX connection to an external monitor. The accessory will be available for purchase from mid-August for $119.

• Check the Universal USB-C Phone Dock at Targus

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Samsung is telling the history of electronics through a new animated series

Samsung has released a new animated series on YouTube called “The History of the Electronics Industry that Changed the World.” The first episode is now live and tells the story of how networks have developed over the years, starting with Samuel Morse and his contribution to the invention of the single-wire telegraph and the Morse code, of course.

Samuel Morse was an American painter who got inspired by American physician and scientist Charles Thomas Jackson to conceive the idea of an electric telegram that would allow people to send and receive messages over long distances.

Single-wire telegraph and the Morse code no longer represent the pinnacle of long-distance communication nearly two centuries after their conception in the 1830s. But these ingenious inventions paved the way for future technologies such as the TV, the telephone, and eventually the smartphone and the 4G and 5G networks on which they rely.

Stay tuned for more episodes on the history of the electronics industry

The new animated series launched by the Samsung Innovation Museum will comprise a total of five episodes. The first one tells the story of Samuel Morse, and the upcoming episodes will be called:

• John Baird and the TV
• Alexander Graham Bell and the Telephone
• James Harrison and the Refrigerator
• William Shockley and the Semiconductor

The series consists of bite-sized animated history lessons, with the first episode compressing a lot of information in a 3-minute long video. Check it out below and stay tuned for more Samsung animations.

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Latest Samsung Internet update fixes bookmarks and Secret mode passwords

Samsung is rolling out a new update to its mobile browser. Samsung Internet version 14.2.3.14 is now available for download, and although it doesn’t bring any brand-new features to the table, it addresses some issues affecting the recently added bookmark bar.

As many of you know, Samsung added a bookmark bar to its mobile browser a little over a month ago. The bookmark bar works as you would expect and contributes to a more streamlined browsing experience, but it isn’t without issues. The good news is that the latest Samsung Internet update claims to address issues with bookmarks malfunctioning and fixes password mismatch errors when using Samsung Internet in Secret mode.

In addition to fixing bookmarks, the latest update also claims to introduce new security patches and improve the browser’s stability.

Samsung Internet users can download the latest update from the Play Store and the Galaxy Store, or they can simply download the Samsung Internet v14.2.3.14 APK file from our website and install the app manually.

Stay tuned for more news on future updates. Samsung Internet 15 is already available in beta, and it will eventually become available outside of the beta program. The new beta version improves the browsing experience and introduced enhanced anti-tracking technologies.

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S Pen Pro specifications leak ahead of launch

The Galaxy S21 Ultra’s S Pen accessory lacks Bluetooth LE connectivity, which means that it lacks some features compared to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen. During the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s launch, Samsung had also revealed that it is working on the S Pen Pro, which is bigger and features Bluetooth connectivity. However, the company had not revealed its full feature set. Now, some of its specifications have been revealed.

According to tipster Chun (@chunvn8888 on Twitter), the S Pen Pro features a 0.7mm tip, and it can sense 4,096 levels of pressure. Apparently, it can also be used with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 without damaging its foldable display. The special stylus is said to feature a USB Type-C port for charging. It can also be magnetically attached to some cases on the back of compatible Galaxy smartphones (similar to the Galaxy Tab S7’s S Pen). It is being rumored that the S Pen Pro will be priced around £70 (most probably without the case) in the UK.

Samsung has already revealed that it has created a special S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold 3. However, it is not clear as to how it would be different than the S Pen Pro. We should get more information about both upcoming styli on August 11, 2021, when the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be officially unveiled.

Since the South Korean firm has confirmed that it won’t launch a new Galaxy Note device this year, if someone wants a brand new smartphone with S Pen compatibility, their best bet would be getting the Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Galaxy Z Fold 3 along with the option S Pen/S Pen Pro accessory.

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Galaxy devices now available via eBay’s Certified Refurbished program

eBay is a popular marketplace for the buying and selling of used goods. It’s not without its pitfalls, though. There’s no shortage of stories about customers getting scammed or not receiving the product that they paid for.

To address these issues, eBay launched the Certified Refurbished program last year. Samsung Galaxy devices are now a part of this program. Customers will be able to purchase professionally refurbished Galaxy devices on eBay.

Buy refurbished Samsung phones from eBay with confidence

Only sellers qualified by eBay can list their devices as “certified refurbished.” This gives customers the peace of mind that the refurbished product they’re buying meets eBay’s conditions. All certified refurbished listings must have been professionally refurbished to a high standard.

They must be sold or sourced directly from the manufacturer, include a manufacturer warranty, free shipping and even 30-day returns. These devices must also be shipped in new packaging and include original or new accessories.

Samsung will now be selling its stock of refurbished Galaxy devices through the eBay Certified Refurbished program. Simply head over to ebay.com/SamsungDirect to view all of the eligible devices that are available for purchase at prices over 50% off retail.

For example, a refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra can be picked up for 21% off while the Galaxy Buds Live are available for 59% off the retail price.

All Samsung Certified Refurbished devices have been restored to a like-new condition. They come with a 2-year warranty in addition to new packaging and accessories.

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Samsung was the top Android tablet maker in Q2 2021

Customers who want flagship Android tablets don’t have much choice. Samsung has remained committed to this segment by launching new flagship tablets every year. It has actually launched three premium tablets over the past year as part of the Galaxy Tab S7 series.

The company also makes mid-range and entry-level tablets. That has enabled Samsung to cater to a wide range of customers. The strategy has paid off as Samsung remained the top Android tablet maker in the second quarter of this year.

Samsung is the undisputed Android tablet king

The latest figures from Strategy Analytics show that Samsung shipping 8.2 million tablets in Q2 2021. It registered an 18% growth year-over-year compared to the same period in 2020. The diverse product range, which includes the Galaxy Tab S7, Tab S7+ and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, helped Samsung increase its share. This also enabled Samsung to grow its tablet market share by 2.1 percentage points of 18%.

Lenovo’s Android tablet shipments were up significantly. It shipped 4.7 million units during the quarter, a 67% increase compared to Q2 2020. Huawei’s troubles enabled Lenovo to pick up its share outside China.

Amazon is the third-largest Android tablet vendor thanks to its affordably priced devices. Its tablet shipments grew 49% year-over-year to 4.2 million this past quarter. The company now accounts for a 9% share of the global tablet market.

Apple remains the leader in the overall tablet market. It shipped 15.8 million units in Q2 2021, grabbing a worldwide market share of 35%.

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Galaxy A Quantum picks up the July 2021 security update

The Galaxy A71 had received the July 2021 security update last week. Yesterday, the Galaxy A Quantum (a variant of Galaxy A71 5G) started receiving the update in South Korea.

The latest update for the Galaxy A Quantum (SM-A716S) has firmware version A716SKSU3CUG5, and it includes the July 2021 security patch. It fixes more than 20 user privacy and data security-related vulnerabilities. It might also include the Android Auto-related bug that some Galaxy smartphone users were facing. No new features or UI changes are expected to be a part of this update.

If you are a Galaxy A Quantum user in South Korea, you might have already received a notification of the new update. If you haven’t, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also choose to flash the firmware manually after downloading the latest firmware file from our firmware database.

Samsung had launched the Galaxy A Quantum in South Korea in mid-2020 with Android 10 on board. The phone received the Android 11-based One UI 3 update earlier this year, and it will get at least one major Android OS update in the future.

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Galaxy S21 August 2021 update rollout kicks off in China

As usual, Samsung started rolling out a new security update to its Android smartphones even before the start of the month. The Galaxy A52 was the first smartphone to get the August 2021 security update, and then the update was expanded to the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A8 (2018). Now, the update has been released to the Galaxy S21 series.

The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra have started getting a new software update in China. It bears firmware version G99x0ZCU2AUGE and includes the August 2021 security patch to the smartphones. While Samsung hasn’t revealed which vulnerabilities it has fixed with the new security patch, the official changelog for the Galaxy S21 series mentions bug fixes and improved device security and stability.

If you are a Galaxy S21 series smartphone user in China, you can now check for the latest software update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file from our firmware database and flash it manually using a Windows PC. The update could expand to Hong Kong and Taiwan within a few days.

Samsung could expand the August 2021 security update rollout to the Galaxy S21 series in more international markets over the next couple of weeks. The company had launched the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year with Android 11-based One UI 3.1. They will get three major Android OS updates in the future, along with monthly security updates.

CHINA VERSION S21 updated August patch pic.twitter.com/KUSyOasV1G

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 30, 2021

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Galaxy A03s could be launched in India soon

Samsung has launched multiple entry-level smartphones this year, but the company isn’t done yet. It is working on the Galaxy A03s (SM-A037F), and the smartphone has already received multiple certifications for the launch clearance. Now, it looks like the smartphone could make it to the Indian market soon.

The South Korean firm has published support webpages for the Galaxy A03s on its Indian website, which means that the company will most likely launch the smartphone in India. While the webpage doesn’t reveal anything more than the model number of the smartphone, we can see that the phone will feature a dual-SIM card slot.

It was revealed earlier that the Galaxy A03s features a 6.5-inch Infinity-V display (most likely an LCD panel), a 13MP triple-camera setup at the rear, a 5MP front-facing camera, a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, 4GB RAM, Android 11, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also features GPS, Wi-Fi b/g/n, and Bluetooth 5.0.

It measures 166.6 x 75.9 x 9.1mm, but the camera bump area might be a bit thicker. The Galaxy A03s passed through the FCC certification, revealing that it is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. Knowing Samsung, the company will likely equip the phone with 15W fast charging.

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