Automatic backups to Android devices have long been a feature that users appreciated, allowing for the seamless transfer of old data into the cloud when it is no longer needed. However, a notable gap in this functionality has been the lack of user control over which specific apps are backed up. This oversight has now been addressed, as Google begins to roll out a per-app backup feature exclusively for Pixel devices, enabling users to tailor their backup preferences to their individual needs.
As reported by 9to5Google, the new functionality can be accessed through the backup device information menu, found by navigating to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data. Here, users will discover an updated App data section that enhances the previous setup. Instead of merely displaying a total count of apps and the amount of data stored, the section now highlights the top three apps consuming space, complete with toggles that allow users to enable or disable backups for each app. A Show more option further expands the list for additional management.
A feature Android users should have always had
This newfound control is designed to give users clearer visibility into what occupies their Google cloud storage. By default, all apps are set to back up, but users can easily toggle off those they deem unnecessary—such as apps still in the testing phase or those that do not require long-term data retention. Furthermore, users can view the backup size associated with each app, making it easier to identify which applications are taking up valuable space.
As users scroll down, they will also find a list of apps that currently have no data backed up, providing an opportunity to disable backups before they inadvertently start consuming cloud storage. While backups are crucial for safeguarding data, receiving notifications about full storage can be a source of frustration. This new feature offers a practical alternative to uninstalling apps, granting users a level of control that many believe should have been integrated into Android much earlier.
Currently, this enhanced backup feature is limited to Pixel devices, but it represents a significant step forward in user autonomy over data management. While the risk of losing important data remains, this update empowers users with greater control over what they choose to retain in their cloud storage.
