Google is set to implement a significant change regarding how backups from Android devices are stored, as they will soon count against the free cloud storage allocated to each Google Account. Presently, backups that include SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app data do not consume any portion of the 15GB of complimentary storage shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. However, this is about to change with an upcoming update that will see these backups included in the overall storage quota.
This new policy is anticipated to roll out in the coming weeks, and it is estimated that the average Android backup will add approximately 40MB to a user’s storage usage. As a result, users nearing or surpassing their storage limits may be prompted to free up space or consider upgrading to a Google One subscription. In scenarios where an account exhausts its available storage, automatic device backups will be paused until additional space is made available.
In addition to the storage policy shift, Google is reportedly working on enhancing backup controls. These new features are expected to provide users with more detailed options, allowing them to select which apps and data types are included in their backups. This added flexibility aims to help users manage their backup sizes more effectively and exercise greater control over their cloud storage usage.
The impending changes mark a notable shift in how Google manages cloud storage for Android users, as the inclusion of device backups could impact users who rely heavily on the 15GB of free storage. By offering more customizable backup options, Google hopes to ease the transition while providing users with tools to optimize their storage consumption.