Android users will soon see a change in how WhatsApp backups are stored in Google Drive. The company recently announced updated terms that will no longer exempt WhatsApp data from consuming storage space. Although no specific date has been set, users on the app's beta version are already experiencing this change. This means that backups, including chat history, images, and videos, will now count towards your Google Drive storage quota, regardless of whether you have a free or paid plan.
WhatsApp Backups Transition to Google Drive Storage
WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, confirmed that this change will apply to all Android users in the first half of 2024. To ensure users are aware of this transition, a 30-day notification will be displayed as a banner in the app's Chat Backup settings prior to the change taking effect.
For those concerned about their chat history taking up valuable space in their Google Drive, there are alternative options available to manage storage:
Direct Transfer
One option is to utilize the built-in WhatsApp Chat Transfer tool, which allows for seamless migration of data to a new device. This process requires both phones to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but an internet connection is not necessary. By using this feature, you can transfer your data without relying on Google Drive storage.
Text-Only Backups
Another space-saving approach is to opt for text-only backups. This means that only text messages will be backed up, excluding media files such as images and videos. By choosing this option, you can significantly reduce the amount of storage space required for your WhatsApp backups.
Aligning Android with iPhone Users
This policy shift brings Android users in line with iPhone users, who have always had their WhatsApp backups count towards their iCloud storage. It serves as a reminder for all users to be mindful of their cloud storage usage, especially as free plans are becoming more limited in size.
Prepare for the New Landscape
Android users should plan ahead and consider their options for managing WhatsApp backups in Google Drive. Whether it's transferring chats, reducing the size of media files, or switching to text-only backups, it's important to be prepared for the changes that will soon take place in WhatsApp's Google Drive storage. Stay tuned for the 30-day notification and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your data is stored efficiently.
