Android users of WhatsApp will see a change in how chat backups are stored on Google Drive. Free storage space for backups will no longer be unlimited, and this shift comes as part of a coordinated update between Google and WhatsApp, as announced on their official channels.
The rollout plan is clear. Beta testers on Android will begin experiencing the new backup rules in December this year, with the broader Android audience following in the first half of next year. Users will receive a notification about the new policy at least one month before it takes effect, giving them time to prepare.
Google has confirmed that WhatsApp backups will continue to function, but they will consume available Google Drive space. The free tier provides 15GB of data across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos, which means WhatsApp backups will compete with other data for this quota.
For some users, this means a need to either purchase additional cloud storage or prune files to free up space. It’s important to note that deleting WhatsApp data will also remove the corresponding content from the Google Drive backup, reflecting the synchronized nature of the service.
On the iOS side, the same terms apply from the outset, but Apple’s free cloud storage allotment is smaller at 5GB. This mismatch in free space between platforms is a practical factor many users will consider when planning their backups and device transitions.
Google Drive backups serve as a convenient method to transfer and preserve WhatsApp conversations and media. Users can sign into their account to restore data when moving to a new device, ensuring continuity of chats, media, and shared content. WhatsApp also provides a manual transfer option that can bypass the cloud entirely if the user prefers a direct device-to-device move.
Historically, WhatsApp has grown to become one of the most widely used messaging services in large parts of the world, with strong adoption in many regions. This shift toward limited free storage underlines a broader trend where cloud backup services balance convenience with capacity constraints, encouraging users to manage their data more actively.