WhatsApp users to soon lose free Google Drive storage access; here's what you can do

WhatsApp, the globally used messaging app, is bringing about a significant change as it bids adieu to the era of free Google Drive storage for chat backups. As the New Year unfolds, users are faced with an impending deadline, prompting a shift in how they manage their cherished chats and memories.

The Shift In Google Drive Storage Dynamics

Android users have long enjoyed the convenience of storing their WhatsApp conversations on Google Drive without denting their 15GB free storage allotment. However, this practice is set to change this year. The change is already affecting WhatsApp Beta users with the latest beta updates and will soon roll out to all other users too.

The shift aligns Android with iPhone's iCloud storage limitations, where Google Drive's 15GB free storage will soon be impacted by WhatsApp backups.

While Google and WhatsApp haven't explicitly disclosed the reasons for this modification, it's speculated that the increasing user base on WhatsApp may have made offering free cloud storage impractical.

The Google One Subscription Solution

With the imminent change, users dependent on Google Drive for safeguarding their valuable data must consider investing in Google One subscriptions.

Google One offers three subscription levels - Basic (100GB), Standard (200GB), and Premium (2TB) - catering to various storage needs, available on a monthly or annual basis.

Google One Plans

Basic (100GB) comes at £1.59 / $1.99 per month, Standard (200GB) at £2.49 / $2.99, and Premium (2TB) at £7.99 / $9.99 monthly.

Annual plans offer additional savings, with the Basic plan at £15.99 / $19.99, Standard at £24.99 / $29.99, and Premium at £79.99 / $99.99. Prices for India are yet to be disclosed.

Explore Alternatives Without Paying

For those reluctant to opt for Google One, WhatsApp provides alternatives within the app. Users can navigate to Settings, then Storage and Data, and finally choose Manage Storage.

Here, WhatsApp offers various techniques to efficiently minimise storage usage, ensuring users maximise their complimentary 15GB allotment without incurring extra expenses.

WhatsApp Chat Transfer Tool

WhatsApp users also have the option to use the WhatsApp Chat Transfer tool to move conversations across Android devices without relying on Google Drive. This ensures flexibility in data management, offering users choices beyond the impending changes.

Meanwhile, users can continue backing up their data for free as long as they have available storage within the 15GB of free cloud storage included with their Google Account or any additional purchased storage, such as through Google One.