Google Drive will now restrict the storage of WhatsApp backups, meaning Android users will need to carefully manage their backups to avoid surpassing Google Drive’s free 15GB cloud storage limit.
In 2018, WhatsApp had secured a deal with Google that allowed unlimited cloud backups at no cost on Google Drive, offering relief to users dealing with storage constraints. However, Google will resume counting WhatsApp chat history backups towards the cloud storage limit for Android users.
This change aligns the backup experience on Android with other platforms and will be effective in December. WhatsApp users on Android, starting with Beta users, will be notified within the app 30 days in advance of this change, and it will be gradually extended to all users in the first half of 2024.
To manage this, users will have to adopt practices similar to iPhone users managing iCloud storage limitations. Android backups will function as usual if there’s sufficient storage in the Google Account, but reaching the limit will require users to free up space.
Google offers 15GB of free cloud storage across various platforms, and users can use management tools to identify and remove large files or photos. Google One subscription service provides additional storage options starting at Rs 149 per month for 100GB.
Google reassured users that their Google Workspace subscription for work or school will remain unaffected by the change in storage limits for WhatsApp backups.
