Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Google Changes Android Backup Storage Policy
Google is changing how it counts Android backups for storage.
Starting today, your backup data like SMS messages, call history, and app settings will use up space in your Google Account.
Google is giving users 45 days to get ready.
They can check how much space their backups use and choose which apps to back up.
If your account runs out of space, backups will stop until you free up space or upgrade your storage plan.
Most users won't need much extra space, but it's good to know how to manage it.
Google is changing its policy to count Android backups against Google Account storage.
Affected data includes SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app settings.
Users will receive an estimate of additional storage needed, averaging around 30MB.
Google is expanding backup settings for Android 9 and above, allowing users to choose which apps and data to back up.
Users can manage their storage through the Google One storage manager, free up space, or upgrade their storage plan.
- Who
- What
- Changing Android backup storage policy
- When
- Starting today, with a 45-day transition period
- Where
- Globally for Android users
- Why
- To manage storage more efficiently and provide users with more control over their backups
User Convenience
Storage Management
Backup Inclusion
User Convenience
Users may find it inconvenient as their backup data will now count against their Google Account storage.
Storage Management
Google aims to manage storage more efficiently by including backup data in the storage calculation.
Storage Limits
User Convenience
Users might need to upgrade their storage plans or free up space to continue automatic backups.
Storage Management
Google provides tools to manage storage, such as the Google One storage manager, to help users handle their storage needs.
- Effective Date
- Starting today, with a 45-day transition period
- Affected Data
- SMS messages, call history, device settings, app settings, and other backup information
- Storage Impact
- Approximately 30MB to 40MB per user
- Backup Settings
- Expanded for devices running Android 9 and above
- Storage Management Tool
- Google One storage manager