WhatsApp Storage Woes? Here's How to Streamline Your Cloud Backups

Recently, Google announced a change that impacts WhatsApp users: backups on Google Drive now count against the allotted cloud storage limit. This shift affects Android users, particularly those with large datasets exceeding 15 GB. Similarly, iPhone users face storage constraints, as chat backups on iCloud count against the 5 GB limit unless they subscribe to iCloud+.

If you're a WhatsApp user on Android or iOS, here's how you can trim down your backup size to conserve your precious cloud storage:

1. Disable Auto Media Download

By turning off auto media download, you prevent unwanted multimedia, like photos and videos, from cluttering your WhatsApp data. This step is crucial, especially for users inundated with numerous group messages containing "good morning" and "good evening" wishes. While individual images may seem insignificant, collectively they consume considerable storage space over time.

2. Exclude Videos from Chat Backup

Videos significantly contribute to the size of WhatsApp chat backups. Simply deselecting the "include videos" option in the WhatsApp backup settings can substantially reduce backup data size. This is especially relevant with the introduction of the HD media feature, enabling users to send high-resolution photos and videos without compromising quality.

3. Activate Disappearing Messages

Enabling disappearing messages ensures that messages and media automatically vanish after a specified duration, further reducing backup size. WhatsApp allows users to apply this feature universally to all contacts or selectively to specific chats.

Bonus Tip: Consider Cloud Storage Subscriptions

If you possess substantial and indispensable WhatsApp data, including multimedia, purchasing additional cloud storage from Google or Apple becomes a viable solution. Google One offers a basic monthly subscription starting at Rs 130, providing 100 GB of cloud storage (inclusive of the free 15 GB). Alternatively, iCloud+ subscriptions are slightly more economical, with the basic plan priced at Rs 75 per month for 50 GB of storage. The 200 GB plan, priced at Rs 219 monthly, can also be shared among friends and family members.