WhatsApp and Google Test New Android Backup Manager to Free Up Cloud Storage
WhatsApp and Google Test New Android Backup Manager

New Backup Manager in Testing

WhatsApp and Google are jointly testing a new Android backup manager designed to streamline chat backup management and free up cloud storage. The feature allows users to review, delete, and organise their WhatsApp chat backups directly from device settings, offering a more integrated approach to storage management.

Storage Limitations Prompt Change

In early 2024, Google withdrew its unlimited free storage policy for WhatsApp backups, reducing the free cloud storage limit to 15GB. This change has prompted the need for better backup management tools, as users now face tighter constraints on their Google account storage.

Backup Management Features

The new system will let users view existing backups, delete old or duplicate files, and free up storage space. This functionality mirrors Google's AI-powered storage management features already available in Drive, Gmail, and Photos, providing a consistent user experience across services.

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Scheduled Messages Feature in Development

Separately, Meta is developing a scheduled messages feature for WhatsApp. This will allow users to set future delivery times for texts, reminders, or greetings, adding a new layer of convenience for personal and professional communication.

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration