For some time now, WhatsApp has continued to add new features, such as enhanced group chats. However, not everything was going to be good news. Unexpectedly, Google has decided to put an end to the free storage party: now, the backups we make of our chats will take up part of the 15 GB of free storage that Google offers by default.
It was in 2018 when Google decided that WhatsApp backups on Android would not occupy space within Google Drive. Despite that decision, the messaging platform has completely changed its plans. Its new policies regarding backups will take effect gradually starting next month.
As a warning, WhatsApp will display a message within the Settings indicating the number of days remaining before the changes take place. In fact, you may already see this notice if you have the beta version 2.23.24.21 installed, as explained by WABetainfo.
Fortunately, Google Workshop account holders are exempt from this change; for them, cloud storage remains unlimited. Google itself will provide a set of tools for you to optimize space, such as mass deletion of both old photos and files. And if you want to preserve your data, you always have the option to subscribe to a Google One plan. As of now, the basic plan offers 100 GB for 1.99 euros per month.
iPhone users, on the other hand, will not be affected by this measure. Backups on iOS are stored within Apple’s cloud, iCloud. However, the amount of free space they provide is only 5 GB.
