Jan 2, 2024 at 6:50 PM WhatsApp backups will consume Google Drive space for Android users from 2024
Meta has announced that WhatsApp backups will begin to take up space in Google Drive for Android users from the first half of 2024. They will be informed about this change 30 days prior through a notification banner in the app's Chat Backup settings.
Those who currently use Google Drive's default 15GB storage will need to manage their storage carefully. However, Meta has provided alternatives for users to manage their data. The Direct Transfer feature, a built-in tool in WhatsApp, allows users to transfer their chat data to a new device while connected to the same Wi-Fi network, without the need for internet access.
Another alternative is the Text-Only Backups feature, which enables users to backup only text messages, excluding media files, for a more space-efficient solution.
This change brings the backup policy for Android users in line with iPhone users, who have always had their WhatsApp backups count towards their iCloud storage.
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Related news
External links
- About WhatsApp Android backupsWhatsApp Help Center • Official source
- Android users will soon have to sacrifice Google Drive storage to keep WhatsApp Chat backupsNeowin
- WhatsApp backups to take a bite out of Google Drive storage starting 2024Gizmochina
The WhatsApp client, either for iOS or Android should give the USER the choice of where their data is stored, not Apple, Meta or Google. If the platform enhances privacy by enforcing E2EE on all messages, then it stands to reason, the USER should decide who / where maintains custody of their data. My point is simple: I should be able to decide where my backups are stored. The proposal is a user setting option: "store backup on Google Drive or "Choose another location (Internal / SD card if present).