WhatsApp Shifts Android Chat Backups to Google Drive Storage

WhatsApp is now executing its plan to move chat backups on Android devices to Google Drive. This shift will affect the cloud storage of Android users, signifying a transition in how WhatsApp manages backup data on the platform.

WhatsApp has initiated the use of Google Drive for storing chat backups, affecting both free and paid users of Google’s cloud service.

Users have the option to stop chat backup or deselect media to conserve cloud storage space. This change underscores a shift in WhatsApp’s backup strategy on Android devices, emphasizing integration with Google Drive for backup storage.

Meta has implemented a significant change in WhatsApp’s chat backup storage, moving away from its dedicated space to using Google Drive.

This transition, as outlined in the updated terms and conditions, took effect in January 2024, impacting how chat backups and media are stored.

Users can now expect their WhatsApp chat backups to be stored in their Google Drive accounts, affecting both free and paid users of the cloud service.

WhatsApp has shifted its chat backup storage to Google Drive, impacting both free and paid users of Google’s cloud service.

The change means that WhatsApp chat backups will now consume space in users’ Google Drive associated with the Gmail account linked to their WhatsApp.

Users who prefer not to use Google Drive for chat backups or wish to avoid space consumption can opt not to back up chats to the cloud service. Instead, they can utilize the built-in WhatsApp Chat Transfer tool when transitioning to a new phone.

To transfer chats using the WhatsApp Chat Transfer tool, both the old and new phones need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, without requiring an active internet connection. If users wish to avoid potential issues with Google Drive, they can also opt for this method.

Users who find their Google Drive storage space insufficient can consider subscribing to a Google One plan, providing additional storage.

Another approach to manage space is to exclude images and videos when backing up WhatsApp chat history, as these media files can significantly increase backup size.

To check the status of the Google Drive chat backup process, users can navigate to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Backup. If the backup is ongoing, the chat backup section will display a message encouraging users to back up chats and media to their Google Account’s storage. The message also indicates that users can restore them on a new phone after downloading WhatsApp on it.

WhatsApp is now bringing the convenience of cloud storage to Android users by utilizing Google Drive for chat backups, similar to how iPhone users have long relied on iCloud storage.

In another reported update, WhatsApp is said to be working on a “third-party chats” section, allowing users to access and manage conversations from other messaging platforms like Telegram and Discord within the WhatsApp app. This move aligns with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, promoting interoperability between major messaging apps to enhance user freedom and reduce the need for multiple apps.

These developments showcase WhatsApp’s efforts to stay competitive and meet evolving user expectations while complying with regulatory initiatives.

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