WhatsApp users will be charged for storing backups in the cloud from 2024.
WhatsApp Users Warned of Impending Fee for Back-Up Storage in 2024 Summary: WhatsApp users have been alerted that a once-free perk will require payment starting in 2024. Backing up conversations on Google Drive will no longer be exempt from users’ data allowance, with changes set to take effect in the first half of next year. Those wishing to continue storing important messages and memories online will need to subscribe to Google One for additional storage. This aligns Android with iPhone’s iCloud, which already has storage limitations. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Q: How much does Google One cost? A: Google One offers three main subscription plans available on either a monthly or annual basis: – Basic (100GB): £1.59 / $1.99 per month or £15.99 / $19.99 per year – Standard (200GB): £2.49 / $2.99 per month or £24.99 / $29.99 per year – Premium (2TB): £7.99 / $9.99 per month or £79.99 / $99.99 per year Q: Is there a way to avoid paying for Google One? A: Users can maximize their free 15GB of storage space by clearing out unnecessary chats and deleting photos that are taking up space. By accessing the WhatsApp settings, going to Storage and Data, and selecting Manage Storage, users will be provided with various options to reduce storage usage. While WhatsApp users have long enjoyed the ability to back up their conversations on Google Drive without impacting their data allowance, a recent announcement signals a change in this feature’s availability. Starting in the first half of 2024, WhatsApp back-ups will start to count towards users’ storage space, which is currently limited to 15GB for free. This adjustment aligns Android with the storage limitations already in place for iPhone’s iCloud. To continue safely storing important conversations and memories online, WhatsApp users will need to subscribe to Google One for additional storage. Google One offers monthly and annual plans ranging from 100GB to 2TB, with prices starting at £1.59 / $1.99 per month or £15.99 / $19.99 per year for the basic plan, and going up to £7.99 / $9.99 per month or £79.99 / $99.99 per year for the premium plan. For those looking to avoid paying for Google One, there are steps users can take to maximize their free 15GB storage. Clearing out unnecessary chats and deleting photos can help reduce storage usage. By accessing the WhatsApp settings, going to Storage and Data, and selecting Manage Storage, users will be presented with options to reduce their storage footprint. In conclusion, WhatsApp users should be aware of the forthcoming changes to back-up storage on Google Drive and the need to pay for additional storage starting in 2024. Taking steps to manage storage effectively or subscribing to Google One are the recommended solutions to ensure important conversations and memories are securely stored online.
Link to the original story: https://citylife.capetown/uncategorized/whatsapp-users-warned-over-new-fee-that-will-affect-android-in-2024/572217/