In a recent development, WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, has announced a significant shift for Android users concerning the free storage of their data on Google Drive. Previously, users enjoyed the privilege of storing their chat history, photos, and videos without incurring any additional charges. However, this is set to change, requiring users to make a decision between opting for a Google One membership or utilizing the 15GB storage limit on Google Drive for their WhatsApp data.
Google outlined these updates in a post back in November, clarifying that WhatsApp backups on Android will now occupy space in the Google Account cloud storage. The rollout of this change commenced with WhatsApp Beta users in December 2023 and is anticipated to reach all WhatsApp users on Android in the early months of 2024.
WhatsApp ensures that users will receive a notification 30 days prior to the implementation of these changes, allowing them to stay informed. Users can access this information by navigating to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat backup. The comprehensive implementation of these modifications is slated to encompass all users by 2024.
For those currently enrolled in the WhatsApp Beta app, a message has already been dispatched, stating, “Backups will start using your Google storage in the next few months.” While subscribing to Google One presents a viable solution for users approaching or exceeding the 15GB limit, the company has also assured continued support for data transfer between Android devices.
This transition marks a notable shift in the way Android users manage their WhatsApp data storage, prompting users to assess their backup needs and explore the available solutions as the new policy takes effect in 2024. Stay tuned for further updates as WhatsApp keeps its user base informed during this transformative period.
