Google Changes Backup Policies for Android Users

Google has announced that starting August 7, 2026, all data from Android backups will be counted against the storage space in Google accounts. This change affects both new and existing users, with the latter receiving a grace period of 45 days to adjust to the new policies. Previously, only content in Google Photos and images and videos in MMS backups were counted towards the storage quota. The new regulation includes all backed-up data, such as SMS, call logs, device settings, and app settings.

Google is informing users via email about the upcoming changes and emphasizes that the impact of this adjustment is expected to be limited. On average, Android backups are anticipated to require about 40 megabytes of additional storage space. With the introduction of this policy, a new control feature will also be provided, giving users more control over their backups. Users will be able to decide which app data should be backed up and which should not. This feature aims to allow users to selectively choose data that is relevant for backup.

Additionally, it will soon be possible to exclude device settings, call history, as well as SMS and MMS messages from the backup. These new options are intended to help users manage their storage space more efficiently and exclude unwanted data from the backup. In May 2026, Google already reduced the free storage for new accounts from 15 gigabytes to 5 gigabytes, unless the user links a phone number to the account. This measure could lead to difficulties for users who have already backed up a lot of data in Google Cloud to find sufficient storage space for their new backups. If the storage limit of the Google account is exceeded, automatic backups will pause until users either free up space or upgrade to a paid subscription.

Google offers various storage plans, including 100 GB for €1.99 per month and 2 TB for €9.99 per month. The changes are part of Google's efforts to improve user experience while strengthening control over personal data. The new backup features are designed to enable users to manage their data better and ensure that only relevant information is backed up. Adjustments to the backup policies may also impact the use of third-party backup solutions, as users may consider alternative methods to back up their data. Google's decision to count backup data against storage space could lead users to rethink their backup strategies.

Google has already informed users that the new policies will take effect on August 7, 2026. Users are encouraged to review their storage usage and take necessary actions to ensure that their data can continue to be backed up. "We want to inform you about an upcoming update to our storage policies," states the email from Google to users.