Discontinuation of Free Google Drive Storage
WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform owned by Meta, has decided to terminate the free Google Drive storage space provided to Android users for storing their chat history, including photos and videos. This change is part of a broader shift in how WhatsApp manages backups on Android devices.
Also Read: How To Use WhatsApp on Many Phones
User Choices: Google One Membership or Storage Limit
The modifications imply that users will soon face a choice: either opt for a Google One membership to continue utilizing Google Drive for WhatsApp data storage or have their chat backups count against the standard 15GB storage limit on Google Drive.
Google initially announced these changes in a post in November, stating, “As an important heads up, WhatsApp backups on Android will soon start counting toward your Google Account cloud storage limit, similar to how WhatsApp backups are handled on other mobile platforms. This change will first start rolling out to WhatsApp Beta users starting in December 2023, then gradually to all WhatsApp users on Android starting early next year.”
Advance Notification and Rollout Plan
WhatsApp is expected to notify users about this shift 30 days in advance, using a banner under WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat backup. The new modifications are set to roll out to all users in 2024.
The WhatsApp Beta app users have reported receiving messages notifying them about the impending change, stating, “Backups will start using your Google storage in the next few months.”
Alternatives for Data Management
While purchasing a Google One subscription seems to be the apparent solution for WhatsApp users exceeding the 15GB restriction, it’s worth noting that the platform still allows users to transfer data between Android devices. This provides an alternative for those who may not wish to opt for a subscription service.
Implications and Community Response
This move by WhatsApp reflects the evolving landscape of cloud storage and the need for users to adapt to changes in data management policies imposed by popular messaging platforms. As users navigate these changes, it remains to be seen how the community will respond and whether this will influence the adoption of Google One memberships among WhatsApp’s vast user base. As the messaging platform continues to evolve, users may need to stay vigilant and proactive in managing their data to align with the evolving policies of these platforms.
How to Expand Your Google Drive Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Google Drive may not be the most thrilling service in Google’s arsenal, but its significance cannot be overstated. Whether you rely on it for accessing Google Docs across devices, storing high-resolution photos and videos in Google Photos, or managing sizable attachments in Gmail, Google Drive plays a crucial role in keeping your digital life seamless.
While every Google account provides a default 15GB of free Drive storage, frequent users of Google services may find themselves in need of additional storage sooner rather than later. If you’re among those looking to expand your Google Drive storage, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Open the Google Drive App
Begin by launching the Google Drive app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Access Settings
Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner of the screen to open the menu. From there, select “Settings.”
Step 3: Check Your Storage Status
In the Settings menu, you’ll see your current storage status. If you exceed your limit, you’ll find an option to buy more storage.
Step 4: Upgrade Google Drive Storage
Tap on the “Upgrade Storage” option to explore additional plans.
Step 5: Choose Your Plan
Scroll through the available plans and select the one that best suits your needs.
Step 6: Confirm and Subscribe
After selecting a plan, tap on “Upgrade.” Confirm your payment information and then tap “Subscribe” to complete the process.
Google One Storage Plans
Here are some of the available Google One storage plans along with their pricing:
- 100GB — $1.99/month or $19.99/year
- 200GB — $2.99/month or $29.99/year
- 2TB — $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- 10TB — $99.99/month
- 20TB — $199.99/month
- 30TB — $299.99/month
Additional Perks of Google One From Google Drive
While additional Drive storage is the primary reason for opting for a Google One plan, there are extra perks that come with your membership. These include:
- Access to Google experts for customer support
- Option to add family members to your plan
- “Extra member benefits” for all plans
- 3% back in-store credit for all purchases on the Google Store with the 200GB plan
- 10% back for plans ranging from 2TB to 30TB
It’s important to note that while these perks may not be the primary reason to purchase a Google One membership, they serve as complimentary features to enhance your overall membership experience.
Whether you’re running out of storage or simply planning, following these steps will help you seamlessly upgrade your Google Drive storage for a smoother digital experience.
