WhatsApp, which Meta owns, is altering things for people who use it on Android and save their chat history, photos, and videos on Google Drive for free. Previously, this storage was free, but now users must decide whether to pay for a Google One membership or let their WhatsApp data fill up the 15GB storage limit on Google Drive.

Google told everyone about these changes in November. They said that when you save your WhatsApp backups on an Android phone, it will start taking up room in your Google Account’s online storage space. This modification began with WhatsApp Beta users in December 2023 and will eventually affect all Android users of WhatsApp in early 2024.

The company assures that users will be notified 30 days before these changes take effect, and they can find this information in the WhatsApp Settings, under Chats, and then Chat Backup. The full implementation of these changes is expected to reach all users in 2024.

For those using the WhatsApp Beta app, a message has already been sent, stating, “Backups will start using your Google storage in the next few months.” While subscribing to Google One can resolve the issue for users surpassing the 15GB limit, the company still permits data transfer between Android devices.

Question and Answer Section:

Q: What change is WhatsApp making for Android users regarding Google Drive storage?
WhatsApp, part of Meta, is no longer offering free storage on Google Drive for Android users. Users now have to choose between getting a Google One membership or allowing their WhatsApp data to consume the 15GB storage limit on Google Drive.

Q: When did Google announce these changes, and when will they affect all WhatsApp users on Android?
Google shared these updates in November, and the changes started with WhatsApp Beta users in December 2023. The modifications are expected to impact all WhatsApp users on Android in early 2024.

Q: How will users be informed about these changes, and where can they find more information?
WhatsApp will notify users 30 days before the changes take effect. Users can find this information in the WhatsApp Settings, specifically under Chats and then Chat Backup.

Q: What message have WhatsApp Beta users received regarding these changes?
WhatsApp Beta users have received a message stating, “Backups will start using your Google storage in the next few months.”

Q: Is there a solution for users exceeding the 15GB limit on Google Drive?
Yes, users can subscribe to Google One to resolve the issue. Additionally, the company still allows data transfer between Android devices.