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From December, a previous advantage for Android users will no longer apply: in the future, they will only have a limited data volume available for backups.
From December this year, a significant change will affect how Android users of WhatsApp can save their backups. Until now, these users have been able to store their WhatsApp backups automatically and free of charge in the Google Cloud (Google Drive), thanks to an agreement between Meta (the company behind WhatsApp) and Google. This arrangement is now ending.
WhatsApp backups from Android users will now count towards the storage quota of the linked Google account. This means that Android users still have a free storage volume of 15 gigabytes available on Google Drive. However, this quota does not only count for WhatsApp backups but also other Google services such as Gmail, Google Photos, or Google Drive.
The change brings the backup rules for Android users in line with those for iOS. On iPhones, WhatsApp backups already count towards the free iCloud storage quota of five gigabytes. The previous advantage for Android users, who could use unlimited free storage space for WhatsApp backups, will soon disappear.
The changeover will take place gradually and will begin in December. Over the course of the first half of 2024, all WhatsApp backups for Android users will be switched to the new fee-based system. Users will be informed of this change 30 days in advance so that they can take appropriate measures.
For affected users, this means they will either have to optimize their available storage space or be prepared to pay Google for additional storage space. The costs for this are comparatively moderate, starting at 1.99 euros per month for 100 gigabytes, 2.99 euros for 200 gigabytes, and 9.99 euros for a generous two terabytes.
The development marks a step towards standardizing backup rules for WhatsApp users, regardless of their operating systems. The move probably reflects the increased use of cloud services for data backups.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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