Google is in the process of rolling out a noteworthy update that, while it may not seem revolutionary at first glance, is set to capture the attention of those who monitor their cloud storage closely. Users will now have the ability to manage Android backups on a per-app basis, moving away from the previous all-or-nothing approach that applied a blanket setting across the entire device.
Historically, app data was automatically backed up to your Google account without the option to selectively choose what to retain. This often resulted in unnecessary clutter, as users were left with a backup filled with data from apps that were no longer in use. The new update changes this dynamic significantly.
Enhanced Control Over App Backups
To access this new feature, users can navigate to Settings, then Accounts & backup, followed by Google backup. Here, a new section titled App data will display the three apps consuming the most storage space, along with the amount of data each app is utilizing. A convenient Show more button allows users to expand the list and view additional apps.
Each app comes equipped with a straightforward toggle switch. Flipping this toggle off will immediately cease backups for that particular app. However, caution is advised: disabling the toggle not only halts future backups but also deletes any existing data stored in your Google account. Google provides a clear warning message upon toggling, ensuring users are aware of the implications of their actions.
This update serves as an excellent cleanup tool, enabling users to remove data from apps that are no longer in use—be it a game that was played briefly or a utility app that has been inflating backup sizes unnecessarily. With just a single tap, users can reclaim valuable storage space.
It is important to note that not all data is impacted by these changes. The Device data section, which includes SMS messages, call history, and phone settings, remains unaffected by these toggles and continues to be managed as a collective unit, just as it has been in the past.
As for the rollout of this feature, it is currently limited to Pixel smartphones operating on Android versions 16 and 17, provided they are running version 26.24 of Google Play Services. This software layer is updated quietly in the background, without necessitating a full system update.
Granting users the ability to control backups on a per-app basis is a long-awaited enhancement that many have anticipated for years. While it may have taken some time to arrive, it is certainly a welcome addition to the Android experience.
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