Google has recently announced its decision to discontinue unlimited storage for WhatsApp backups on Android devices, aligning it with policies on other platforms. Since 2015, WhatsApp has enabled users to back up their data, including chats, images, and videos, to Google Drive, simplifying the backup process.
The Change in Policy
Both Google and WhatsApp have confirmed that unlimited Google Drive backups for WhatsApp will no longer be available. Instead, WhatsApp backups will now contribute to your 15GB free storage limit provided by Google.
In a statement, Google mentioned, “WhatsApp backups on Android will soon start counting toward your Google Account cloud storage limit, similar to how WhatsApp backups are handled on other mobile platforms.”
Impact on Users
As a result of Google’s decision, users will need to manage their Google Drive storage effectively to avoid running out of space. When storage is depleted, not only will users be unable to back up their WhatsApp data, but they may also stop receiving emails on their accounts.
The new policy change will take effect from December 2023 for beta users, allowing them a brief period to organize their storage. Regular users can expect the change to be implemented early next year.
According to Google, “WhatsApp backups on Android will continue to work, as long as you have available space within your Google Account storage. If you hit your storage limit, you’ll need to free up space to resume backups by removing items you do not need.”
Conclusion
With Google’s decision to discontinue unlimited WhatsApp backups, users must proactively manage their Google Drive storage to ensure uninterrupted access to backup services. As the policy change takes effect, users should assess their storage needs and make adjustments accordingly to avoid any disruptions in backup functionality.
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