Google has recently made a significant adjustment to how it manages Android backup data, now counting it against your Google account storage quota. Previously, data such as SMS, call history, and device settings were exempt from this calculation, with only Google Photos and MMS contributing to the total storage used.
As of July 7th, all Android backup data will now be included in your overall storage tally. This change means that not only will SMS and call history count, but also various device settings and app data. However, there is a silver lining: Google has introduced enhanced backup controls, allowing users to select precisely which data they wish to back up.
What you need to know
- Google now counts Android backups like SMS, call history, and settings toward your Google storage quota.
- New backup controls let you choose exactly which data, including call history and settings, gets backed up.
- Google says the average Android backup is only around 40MB, so most users won’t notice a major impact.
Users can now navigate to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Google Backup to access these new options. This allows for a tailored backup experience, where individuals can decide whether to include call history, device settings, or specific app data, turning off any unnecessary items.
According to Google, the average size of an Android backup hovers around 40MB, suggesting that for many users, this change will not significantly affect their storage capacity. However, for those with extensive data needs, there may be a necessity to consider upgrading to a paid storage plan through Google One or Google AI to accommodate additional requirements.
The rollout of this update has already begun, with users reporting visibility of the changes on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro. Google assures that existing accounts will receive this functionality in the upcoming months.
Android Central’s Take
Interestingly, many users, including myself, had assumed that Android backup data was already factored into Google storage limits. The revelation that it was not has not caused much concern. What stands out positively is the introduction of granular controls for backups. The ability to selectively choose what gets backed up is a feature that has been long-awaited, and its arrival is certainly a welcome enhancement for Android users.
