In a significant update to its backup settings, Google has introduced per-app backup controls, enhancing user experience for Android devices. This rollout follows last year’s redesign, which aimed to streamline the backup process for users.
New Features for Pixel Users
For those utilizing Pixel devices, navigating to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data unveils a newly structured “App data” section. Previously, users encountered a more generalized view labeled “Apps & app data,” which simply provided a count and total storage used.
The updated interface now highlights the top three apps, displaying the amount of data backed up to the user’s Google Account. A simple tap on “Show more” reveals a comprehensive list, where apps at the bottom indicate if they have “No data backed up.”
By default, all backup options are enabled, but users now have the flexibility to toggle these settings off for individual apps. Disabling a backup prompts a notification explaining that this action will remove the app’s data from the Google Account and cease future backups from the device.
Limitations and Compatibility
It is important to note that these per-app controls do not extend to the Device data section, which encompasses SMS & MMS messages, call history, and device settings. Currently, the rollout of these features has been confirmed on Pixel devices running stable Android versions 16 and 17, specifically with Google Play services version 26.24. However, users with Samsung devices have reported that these new controls have yet to appear.
Related Developments
In a related update, Google One for Android has recently undergone a visual transformation, adopting an edge-to-edge design. This update follows last year’s Material 3 Expressive redesign, which had left the app’s status and navigation bars somewhat out of sync with the overall aesthetic.
As Google continues to refine its user interface and backup functionalities, these enhancements reflect a commitment to providing users with greater control and a more intuitive experience across its platforms.
