WhatsApp backups on Google Drive will start taking up storage space starting from December 2023. This change, which will first involve WhatsApp Beta users and then gradually extend to all Android users, could have a significant impact on backup of chats and multimedia contents.
WhatsApp backups will take up space on Google Drive
The update, announced on the official Android portal, concerns exclusively the personal Google accounts, excluding Workspace accounts. WhatsApp backups, previously not counted in your storage space, will now be included in your storage storage thresholds of the account. Something that could create space problems for those with large dimensions multimedia files, photos and videos.
The possibility of purchase additional space via Google One, with plans starting from 1.99 euros per month, it could be an alternative solution for those who may find themselves short of space. Additionally, Google advises users to Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or old photos to better manage available storage capacity.
Of the beyond 2 billion active users on WhatsAppmany rely on backup su Google Drive to preserve their conversations and the media exchanged. Until now, this function was free and unlimited for Android users, but with the current announcement, it looks like that is about to change.
This change could be a consequence of a 2018 agreement between WhatsApp and Google for backup unlimited and free who, most likely, had one duration of 5 years. Now that the deal appears to have expired, WhatsApp backups will be treated as any other file on Google Drive, affecting users’ storage thresholds.
This change could push WhatsApp users to buy extra storage space via Google One. Or to give up backups or change messaging applications.