Multiple Blue Rings
Whatsapp Chat Backups
WhatsApp Backup Changes: Android Users to Face Storage Limits on Google Drive
Multiple Blue Rings
Policy Reversal
WhatsApp chat and media backups on Android will now count toward Google Account cloud storage, starting from December 2023.
Multiple Blue Rings
Previous Exemption
This marks a reversal from 2018 when WhatsApp backups stopped counting toward Google Drive storage.
Multiple Blue Rings
Rollout Plan
The update will start with WhatsApp Beta users and gradually be implemented for all WhatsApp Android users throughout the first half of 2024.
Multiple Blue Rings
Notification System
Users will be notified 30 days before the change via a banner in WhatsApp Settings, guiding them to Chat backup.
Multiple Blue Rings
Storage Management
Users reaching their storage limit must free up space by deleting items they do not need, either from Google Drive or WhatsApp.
Multiple Blue Rings
Google One Option
Alternatively, users can purchase additional storage with Google One, with plans starting at Rs 130 per month for 100GB.
Multiple Blue Rings
Google Workspace Exception
Changes apply to personal Google Accounts; Google Workspace subscriptions through work or school are not impacted.
Multiple Blue Rings
Android Advantage Ends
Android users lose the privilege of five years where WhatsApp backups didn't count toward Google Drive storage, aligning with other platforms.