In a significant shift, WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely-used messaging platforms, is altering its backup policy, impacting users who have relied on Google Drive for preserving their chat history. Starting in the first half of this year, WhatsApp chat backups will begin counting towards users’ Google Drive storage limits, previously exempt from the free 15GB quota. This move by WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, aligns with the practices already established by Apple’s iCloud, where storage constraints have long been a consideration for users. Those accustomed to the convenience of free storage on Google Drive for WhatsApp backups will now need to reassess their storage needs and possibly opt for additional space through Google One, Google’s subscription plans associated with Google Drive.
Google One offers users three main plans on a monthly or annual basis. The Basic plan provides 100GB of storage, the Standard plan offers 200GB, and the Premium plan boasts 2TB of storage. Monthly and annual costs vary for each plan, with the annual commitment offering a slight discount. For users reluctant to invest in a Google One subscription, there are alternative strategies to manage storage efficiently. WhatsApp allows users to navigate to Settings, select Storage and Data, and then Manage Storage to reduce storage usage effectively, especially concerning photos that tend to consume more space. This ensures users can maximize their free 15GB allocation without incurring additional costs.
In parallel developments, WhatsApp is working on enhancing user privacy with a new feature that enables users to connect without revealing their phone numbers. This feature, expected to be introduced this year, allows users to create a username to personalize their profiles. This username serves as a unique identifier for connecting with friends, family, and contacts. Importantly, the user’s phone number remains private, adding an extra layer of security.
Users will have the flexibility to change their usernames whenever desired, and the feature will be available on both the mobile and web versions of the app. Additionally, WhatsApp is exploring a search functionality, allowing users to find others on the platform using their unique username, eliminating the need for a phone number. As WhatsApp undergoes these changes, users are urged to stay informed about the evolving features and consider adjusting their usage patterns to optimize the platform’s capabilities. These modifications mark a strategic shift for WhatsApp and underscore the dynamic nature of messaging app developments in the ever-evolving digital landscape.