It seems that there has been some confusion and chaos regarding Whatsapp data, its backup process on Google Drive, and the validity of that backup after November 12, 2018.
Rumors were in that all backup data will be deleted from Google Drive and Whatsapp, forever.
Although there is little bit of truth in these rumors, and gossips, not everything is true.
Here are 6 crucial questions, and their answers, related with Whatsapp backup:
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What Is The Fuss All About Between Whatsapp And Google?
In 2015, Google and Whatsapp collaborated to provide backup options for all Whatsapp users. Using this new partnership, Whatsapp users were given an option to backup their chats and messages on Google Drive.
However, the problem was that, your Google storage allocation was used against it, and soon, users’ Google Drive were all full.
Now, a new agreement has been formed between Google and Whatsapp, under which Whatsapp backup won’t count in your Drive storage allocation. This means that Whatsapp users can backup as much as they want in Google Drive, without any hiccups.
This will be effective from November 12th, 2018.
But Whatsapp Said Backup Will Be Deleted?
Yes, that’s the partial truth. The actual fact is that, backups which haven’t been updated in more than a year, will be automatically removed.
This has been done to remove stagnant data which is occupying their space, and serves no purpose at all. In a way, this is good, as your Google Drive storage space will free-up.
How To Avoid This Auto-Delete?
The only way to avoid your backup being deleted is: Backup your Whatsapp data manually before November 12th.
And for refreshing existing backups, do it before October 30th, 2018.
But Mine Is Auto-Backup?
Thats great! But still, we will strongly advise that you perform a manual backup on or before October 30th, and refresh the backup to inform Whatsapp and Google that you need the backups.
Once you do a manual backup of your data, Whatsapp won’t delete the data, ever.
Ok. Got it. But How To Do Manual Backup?
Open Whatsapp, and tap on the three dotted lines in the top-right hand side.
Once done, tap on Settings, and then Chats and Chats Backup.
Settings > Chats > Chat backup
Make sure that your logged in your Google account, where you need the backups.
It may take some hours to get the backup done manually; hence, it is recommended that you connect your phone to a charger, and leave it, as the Whatsapp backup transfers to your Drive account.
Never use your phone while it’s charging!
There is an option to set the automatic backup as well, which you can choose for all backups after November 12th.
Awesome! But What If I Want To Delete My Google Drive Backup?
Well, in that case, you will need to login to your Google Drive account, and then:
Desktop Version and Mobile
- Open Google Drive
- Click on Backups
- Select the one version you want to delete, and then delete
To delete versions of Whatsapp data:
- Open Google Drive
- Click on Menu (top left-hand side)
- Click on ‘Desktop Version’
- Tap on Gear icon in top-right corner
- Settings
- Manage Apps
- Locate Whatsapp
- Click on Delete All Hidden Data
Here is Whatsapp document on backups, which will clear further doubts
We hope your queries are now answers! If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to comment here.