Get ready to manage your Google Drive storage more efficiently, as WhatsApp is set to start utilizing it for backups starting next month.

This change, announced jointly by Google and WhatsApp, means that WhatsApp backups will now count against the default 15 GB of storage that comes with free Google accounts. This shift will initially affect beta users and gradually roll out to all Android users. WhatsApp will display a banner indicating the days left before this change takes effect.

Also Read: Multiple WhatsApp Numbers Now Supported on a Single Phone

For users seeking additional Google One storage, various plans are available. The basic 100 GB plan costs Rs. 52 per month for the first 3 months and then Rs. 209 monthly, allowing sharing with up to 5 other users and providing exclusive workspace features and dark web monitoring for stolen passwords. The 200 GB plan is priced at Rs. 84 per month for the initial 3 months and Rs. 339 monthly thereafter. The most expensive tier offers 2 TB of storage for Rs. 262 a month for the first 3 months and then Rs. 1049 monthly.

For users not opting for additional storage, Google provides tools to clean up storage on Drive and Photos to free up space. This change is part of Google’s efforts to encourage more users to subscribe to its cloud storage services. In 2021, Google limited the cloud storage for free accounts to 15 GB, affecting WhatsApp backups starting next month.