Observed Signal · Jun 30, 2020 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google Photos stops auto-saving messaging app media
Google Fotos will no longer automatically back up or sync media from device folders used by messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messages, and Kik. The change, per a Google Photos Help Center post, aims to conserve resources as users share more photos and videos during the COVID-19 period. Photos and videos already stored in Google Photos remain unaffected. Users retain the option to manually save individual photos or videos from messaging apps to Google Photos, and can re-enable automatic saving within the respective apps if desired. For guidance, users are encouraged to consult Google Photos Support for details on adjusting these settings.
Policy Update by a major platform (Google) affecting data storage behavior and user control
Track Google Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google Fotos will stop automatic backups and synchronization of media from device folders of messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messages, Kik).
- Users can disable or re-enable this behavior within each affected app.
- Reason given: to save resources amid increased media sharing during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Media already stored in Google Photos remains unaffected.
- Users can manually save individual photos or videos from messaging apps even with automatic backups off.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
WhatsApp trick frees gigabytes of storage
The article explains how to free large amounts of smartphone storage used by WhatsApp by using the app's built-in storage management tools and by changing media download and gallery save settings. On Android, users open the Chat tab and the three-dot menu to reach Settings; on iOS they go to the Settings tab. In WhatsApp's "Storage and Data" > "Manage Storage" view, users can see frequently forwarded items and files larger than 5 MB and delete unwanted content. The piece also recommends disabling automatic media downloads for mobile, Wi‑Fi and roaming and stopping WhatsApp from saving received media to the phone gallery to avoid duplicate copies. The article was originally published on 2023-12-20 and the page metadata indicates a publication date of 2026-08-09.
Hidden WhatsApp Folder Consumes Gigabytes
The article explains that media files sent and received via WhatsApp can quickly fill smartphone storage and may eventually impair the app's functionality. WhatsApp provides a built-in storage management feature (Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage) that shows actual storage used by media, lists frequently forwarded items and files larger than 5 MB, and allows selective deletion. The piece also describes how to prevent future storage bloat by disabling automatic media downloads and stopping WhatsApp from saving received media to the phone gallery (Android: Media Visibility; iOS: Save to Photos). An example shows WhatsApp occupying over 9 GB of storage while the system reports only 370 MB for the app itself.
Google Will Count Android Device Backups Against Storage
Google has updated its support guidance: system backups from Android devices will now count against a user's Google account storage quota. The change means SMS/MMS, call logs, device settings and app data included in device backups are subject to the account's available storage (15 GB free by default). Android settings will provide controls to select which device data to back up; Pixel devices already offer this control. Google lists which file types are and are not counted on its support pages. The article notes that users who need more space can subscribe to Google One (100 GB plans start at €2/month) and compares Google’s free 15 GB to Apple iCloud’s 5 GB free tier (iCloud+ 50 GB for €1/month).
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.