Google Announces Major Change to Android Backup Storage Policy Google has announced a significant update to its cloud storage policies for Android smartphones and tablets, effective September 2026. The change will require all data included in Android device backups to count toward users’ Google Account storage limits. This includes previously excluded data types such as SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app settings. The update was communicated to users via an email notification sent to Android device owners earlier this week. The email explained that the policy change aims to provide users with greater control over their backups. It warned that the adjustment may increase data consumption on Google accounts, with automatic backups pausing if a user’s storage limit is exceeded. To manage storage, users are advised to clean up their Google Drive space, upgrade their storage plan, or disable Android backups. Google provided an example of how the change would affect storage usage. One user’s estimated backup size would increase by 0.11 GB, bringing their total usage to 578.69 GB out of a 2,048 GB limit. The company also introduced granular app backup toggles for Android 9 and higher devices, allowing users to select specific data types and apps for backup. This feature enables users to prioritize storage for critical data. Users can monitor their available backup storage through the Google One storage manager. It’s worth noting that WhatsApp chat and media backups have already counted toward Google Drive storage since early 2024. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms is developing its own cloud storage solution for WhatsApp backups, offering a 2GB free plan and paid options starting at 50GB. Google’s new storage plans, detailed in a table, include options ranging from 30GB to 30,000GB (20TB) with varying features.#google #android #google_account #google_drive #google_one
Google Updates Android Backup Policy to Include All Data in Google Account Storage Google has announced a significant change to its Android backup policy, which now includes all data types stored in Android backups toward the user’s Google Account storage limit. The update, which is rolling out to new and existing users, affects how users manage their storage space and what data is preserved during backups. The change was initially rolled out starting July 7, with full implementation for existing accounts expected within the next few months. The policy adjustment means that previously excluded data types—such as SMS messages, call history, and device settings—will now count toward the Google Account storage quota. Google estimates that this change will increase the average backup size by approximately 40 MB. The company emphasized that this update aims to improve transparency and give users more control over their backup settings. To help users manage the new policy, Google is introducing additional controls. These include on/off toggles for specific data types, such as SMS and MMS messages, call history, and device settings. Users can also customize per-app backup preferences, allowing them to select which applications are included in the backup process. These new settings are being rolled out gradually over the coming weeks. Existing Android users will receive an email notification from Google titled “New Android Backup Storage Policy & Controls.” The email provides details about the upcoming changes, including an estimate of the storage increase and guidance on how to adjust backup settings. For users who have already set up backups, the update will take effect within 45 days of receiving the email. To access the backup settings, users can navigate to the “Accounts and backup” section in their device settings.#google #android #google_account #backup_policy #pixel_devices
