In an upcoming policy shift, Google will begin counting Android device backups against the free cloud storage allocated to every Google Account. This change will integrate Android backups, which include SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app data, into the 15GB of complimentary storage that is already shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
The newly implemented policy is set to be rolled out in the coming weeks. On average, Google anticipates that each Android backup will consume around 40MB of storage space. As a result, users nearing their storage capacity may need to manage their space or consider upgrading to a Google One subscription. If an account’s storage limit is reached, automatic device backups will be paused until more space is available.
In an effort to offer more user control, Google is also working on developing enhanced backup controls. These new features will allow users to select specific apps and data types for backup, aiming to help manage storage use efficiently and give users a tailored backup experience.
This strategic update from Google highlights the importance of storage management as digital data continues to grow. By introducing these changes, Google is encouraging users to be more mindful of their storage habits and offers a pathway to more personalized management of their cloud storage needs.