WhatsApp Users, Brace Yourselves: Free Google Drive Storage Ends By June 2024

WhatsApp to end free Google Drive storage in 2024: Here's how to manage your files now

Image source Google Help on Google

Google has recently announced some changes to how Whatsapp backups on Android will be managed.

GIF source Google Help on Google

From early 2024, WhatsApp backups stored on Google Drive will count towards the 15GB storage limit of a user's Google Account cloud storage, or they will need to sign up for a Google One subscription.

The change will be first rolled out to WhatsApp Beta users in December 2023 and then gradually to all Android users. This change has come about as WhatsApp is ending the free Google Drive storage space offered to Android users for storing their chat history, including images and videos. WhatsApp users will now have the option of signing up for a Google One subscription or transferring their WhatsApp chat history between Android devices to manage their storage.

WhatsApp has stated that the new changes will start rolling out to all users in 2024. Users will receive a notification with a banner in WhatsApp Settings> Chats > Chat backup 30 days in advance of the change.

It's important to note that these changes will only impact Android users as WhatsApp doesn't offer free storage on iOS. Additionally, Apple offers only 5GB of free storage to its non-paying users, as compared to the 15GB offered by Google.

It's important to note that these changes will only impact Android users as WhatsApp doesn't offer free storage on iOS Additionally, Apple offers only 5GB of free storage to its non-paying users, as compared to the 15GB offered by Google.