WhatsApp backups to Google Drive were previously free and unlimited, but that is changing now. The change will occur gradually from December 2023.
Kassel – WhatsApp is constantly developing its messenger. For example, WhatsApp’s new functionality can increase security. Blur Mode also provides WhatsApp users with more privacy. But not all changes bring joy. The functionality will soon become expensive for Android users.
Anyone who uses Messenger knows that WhatsApp contains countless valuable memories. From holiday photos to birthday songs to concert recordings – it’s an archive of particularly beautiful experiences. Until now, Android users didn’t have to worry about storage capacity, but that’s changing now. If you don’t pay attention, you have to pay.
WhatsApp Change for Android Users: Backup is counted towards storage quota
The change will begin in December 2023 and will be implemented gradually. WhatsApp backups will then count toward your Google account’s storage quota, WhatsApp announces on its website. All accounts should be modified by the first half of 2024. Thus, backup regulations for Android users are in line with those for iPhone users, whose WhatsApp backups already count toward iCloud’s free storage quota, which is 5GB.
So far, Android users have been able to back up their WhatsApp data to Google Drive at no additional cost, thanks to an agreement between Meta and Google. However, this cooperation is now coming to an end. The company said: “This change will be rolled out to beta users starting in December 2023, and then it will be rolled out gradually to all other WhatsApp users on Android devices during the first half of 2024.”
Google and WhatsApp collaboration has ended: Android feature no longer applies
Free storage per Google Account is limited to 15GB. This folder is used for data from Gmail, Google Photos or Google Drive – and in the future also for WhatsApp backups. Depending on the usage, the available storage space can be used up quickly. The previous advantage over iOS users, who only get five gigabytes of free cloud storage from Apple, is now shrinking.
For WhatsApp users, this means: Anyone who exceeds their storage limit must either free up storage space or purchase additional storage space from Google. However, large WhatsApp backups can quickly consume available cloud storage space. After all, Google offers additional storage at relatively affordable prices. You get 100GB for just €1.99 per month. 200GB is available for an extra €1 – and for €10 Google offers a generous 2TB of space.
Android users will receive information about when storage space will be restricted as follows: “We will notify you 30 days before this change takes effect through a banner in WhatsApp under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup,” the company says. Backing up to Google Drive isn’t the only option. Backups can also be transferred using WhatsApp’s transfer feature between Android devices. It is also possible to export chat history.
Automated assistance was used in writing this article by the editorial team. The article was carefully examined by editor Sarah Newmeyer before publication.
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