November 28, 2023, 11:01 am | Read time: 5 minutes
In the coming weeks, WhatsApp users may receive a new notification they shouldn’t ignore. As an agreement between Google and WhatsApp ends, the backup function could become a cost factor for many users.
Those using WhatsApp on an Android smartphone have had it easy so far: Due to an agreement between Meta and Google, WhatsApp backups were automatically and freely stored in Google Drive. The special advantage for Android users—especially compared to iOS—was that the backups didn’t count against the limited free data volume of the Google Cloud. But that’s coming to an end. This change could have unpleasant consequences, especially for users who have been using WhatsApp for a long time and intensively with media. TECHBOOK reveals what you can do in this case.
Regular Users Affected Starting January
It was already apparent in February 2022 that WhatsApp backups would eventually be counted against the free 15 gigabytes (GB) provided by Google. However, the official announcement by Google only came in November. At that time, a close look at the code of the beta version revealed the planned change. The actual implementation will begin in December for beta testers and will be gradually rolled out to all users in early 2024.
WhatsApp had announced that it would notify its users 30 days before this change begins. The notice can be found in the WhatsApp settings under “Chats” and then under “Chat Backup.” Here, you can also set whether or how often a backup of the chats should be made on Google Drive.
Previously, automatic backups on Google Drive were generally useful for transferring chats and media to a new smartphone or easily restoring them in case of a defect. However, starting in 2024, some users should reconsider their settings. The free 15-GB storage volume must also suffice for Google Mail, Google Photos, and Google Drive—and soon for WhatsApp backups as well. Depending on how extensively you use these services, it could get quite tight. A WhatsApp backup containing many or large objects like pictures and videos can be several gigabytes in size.
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WhatsApp Plans Free Backup Storage
Google Counts Android Backups Against Cloud Storage
Google Focuses on Subscription Services
Until now, the unlimited storage for WhatsApp backups was something Android clearly had over iOS. The competition stores backups not with Google, but in Apple’s iCloud. Here, backups have always counted against the regular storage volume, which, at only 5 GB in the free version, is significantly smaller than Google’s 15-GB counterpart.
Google is now sacrificing this advantage to gain more subscribers for the paid cloud package “Google One.” The trend of severely restricting free services began at Google back in June 2021, as TECHBOOK reported. At that time, Google eliminated unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos. Since then, the new data volumes of the Google Photos app have also counted against the limited storage volume of Google Drive. In light of the WhatsApp change, a subscription might actually be worthwhile for some users, but there are also other solutions.
What You Can Do Now
Paid Upgrade to Google One
If you reach your Google storage limit due to WhatsApp backups, you will receive a notification. This will prompt you to free up more storage space. You can do this by increasing the storage capacity with a Google One subscription. The basic subscription costs 1.99 euros per month, offers 100 GB of storage, and can be used by up to five people. There is also the standard and premium subscription, ranging from 2.99 euros to 9.99 euros per month, providing 200 GB and 3 TB of storage space, respectively.
Even if WhatsApp backups become a cost factor for some users in the future, you don’t have to spend a fortune. For those who already use the cloud extensively, a subscription might be worthwhile. Users who just barely exceed the 15-GB limit can also resort to one of the free solutions.
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No WhatsApp Backup
Equally convenient yet radical is the option to forgo a WhatsApp backup altogether. In this case, WhatsApp does not burden the limited Google storage volume. However, if you plan to switch smartphones and want to take your chats with you, you can simply create a single manual backup. In the WhatsApp settings under the “Chats” tab and “Chat Backup,” you can select the option “Only when I tap ‘Back up'” under “Back up to Google Drive.” After the move, you can then delete the backup from your cloud if necessary.
Alternatively, WhatsApp offers a transfer function between Android devices. The chat transfer works via a QR code and Wifi Direct.
Reduce Data Volume
A third option is to keep the backups deliberately small and possibly part with media that consumes a lot of storage space. The same applies to objects from other services—especially Gmail and Google Photos. A certain data minimalism is generally always advisable but requires regular maintenance.
WhatsApp has an integrated storage manager that helps locate large files and chats. In the three-dot menu under the “Chats” tab, you’ll find “Storage and Data.” Under “Manage Storage,” the used storage space and the largest chats, large objects, and frequently forwarded messages are displayed. Accordingly, you can start sorting here. It’s important to note that, for example, pictures deleted in WhatsApp may still be stored in the gallery on the smartphone.