WhatsApp backups for Android users will soon count against Google Account storage, affecting available space for other files and media. Currently, these backups are stored separately from Google’s cloud storage, giving users additional space for photos, videos, emails, and more. However, starting later this year, WhatsApp backups on Android will start using up Google Account cloud storage limits.
Google announced this change on its support page, emphasizing that backups will continue to function as long as sufficient cloud storage is available. Users who reach their storage limits will need to free up space by deleting unnecessary items to resume backups.
The rollout of these changes will begin with WhatsApp Beta users in December, expanding to all Android users by early 2024. Unlike Android, iOS already counts WhatsApp backups towards iCloud storage, which offers 5GB free with paid tiers starting at Rs. 75 per month in India.
For Google Account holders, the default free storage is 15GB shared across Google Drive, Google Photos, and Gmail. Additional storage can be purchased through Google One, starting at Rs. 130 per month for 100GB.
These adjustments only apply to personal Google accounts initially, while Google Workspace subscriptions for work or school remain unaffected. This move aligns with broader efforts by tech companies to manage and monetize cloud storage services effectively.
Earlier this year, Meta (formerly Facebook) introduced a feature allowing WhatsApp users on both Android and iOS to transfer chat history and media between devices using QR codes, bypassing cloud services entirely.
Moreover, Google One subscribers now have access to a Dark Web Report feature, enhancing privacy protection by monitoring the dark web for potential leaks of personal information and notifying users accordingly.
