Major changes are coming to WhatsApp. Until now, Android devices have been able to enjoy unlimited backup on Google Drive. An important advantagewhich has allowed many users to save money and be able to store their data, conversations and various contents safely on the Google platformwhich will have to be given up.
As already anticipated in the last months of 2023, WhatsApp is saying goodbye to unlimited backup on Google Drive. Changing backup settings has already begun and will be completed by the second half of 2024. Let’s find out the consequences of this decision, the possible alternatives and how to understand if your account has already been affected by the update.
WhatsApp says goodbye to unlimited backup on Google Drive, what does it mean
Unlimited backup on Google Drive is a service that up until now had been guaranteed free of charge to all users who use WhatsApp on an Android device.
Starting in the next few months, however, the latter will have to pay more attention to the quantity and type of data they want to archive, as they will only have very limited storage space available for free. To be more precise, they will be able to take advantage of the 15 GB offered by the platform, without having to access paid subscription plans, giving up consistent backups.
In case of necessity, will have to opt for alternative solutionsmost of which require subscription and periodic payment for subscription plans.
The change will be active for everyone by July 31, 2024, but for some accounts it has already been activated. To understand if you have already been affected by the change, it is sufficient to carry out some checks.
How to understand if you already have to say goodbye to unlimited WhatsApp backup on Google Drive
WhatsApp has decided to send a warning to all users who are affected from the modification. The latter will be able to view a banner starting 30 days before the change becomes effective.
To understand if you are among the accounts that are already undergoing the update, you need to launch the WhatsApp application on your device supported by the Android operating system and click on the three dots at the top right of the screen. Press on the item Settings.
Scroll and click Chat. Next, select Chat backup. If you are affected, a green banner appears announcing that the change will be implemented within 30 days. In any case, Whatsapp displays a notice announcing the intention to use the user’s storage space for their backups.
The banners give access to more information about the update and instructions for review your storage options and to free up storage space in your Google account and WhatsApp.
To know more: Guide to WhatsApp: how to use and install WhatsApp