WhatsApp to automatically delete your old data from Google Drive: How to avoid it

Here’s how you can save your old WhatsApp photos and videos from getting automatically deleted.

WhatsApp recommends users connecting their phone to Wi-Fi prior to backing up your chats via Google Drive (AFP)

If you haven't backed up your WhatsApp data in more than one year, you need to act soon.

WhatsApp last week said that it will automatically remove the backed up data from Google Drive storage. The instant messaging company has urged users to manually backup your data before November 12, 2018.

"… Furthermore, WhatsApp backups that haven't been updated in more than one year will be automatically removed from Google Drive storage. To avoid the loss of any backups, we recommend you manually back up your WhatsApp data before November 12, 2018," said WhatsApp on its FAQ page.

WhatsApp last week had announced that WhatsApp backups will no longer count towards the Google Drive storage quota.

"You can back up your chats and media to Google Drive, so if you change Android phones or get a new one, your chats and media are transferrable. We recommend connecting your phone to Wi-Fi prior to backing up your chats via Google Drive, as backup files can vary in size and consume mobile data, causing additional charges," WhatsApp added.

How to back up, restore WhatsApp data via Google Drive
WhatsApp gives users three options on backing up their data on the messaging platform. You can select between "back up to Google Drive when you tap back up', 'back up only over Wi-Fi' and 'include videos'.

To get started, launch the WhatsApp application and then click on the three dots on the top right corner of the app. Go to Settings > Chats > Chats backups. Select between the above mentioned options to back up your WhatsApp content.

To restore your WhatsApp data on a newer phone, open the WhatsApp app> complete your profile (verify the phone number, etc) and then tap next. WhatsApp will then ask you to restore your messages from the linked Google Drive account. Tap on the Restore button, and you're done.