In an upcoming shift, Google plans to modify how backups from Android devices are stored by including them in the 15GB of free cloud storage that comes with every Google Account. At present, these backups—which consist of SMS messages, call logs, device settings, and app data—do not count against the complimentary storage space shared among Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. With the expected change, these backups will now be part of the total storage quota.
This policy change is anticipated to be implemented in the coming weeks. Google estimates that the typical Android backup will contribute around an additional 40MB to a user’s storage usage. Consequently, individuals nearing or surpassing their storage limits might find themselves needing to either delete content or consider upgrading to a Google One subscription. Should an account exhaust its available storage, automatic device backups will be temporarily halted until extra space is freed up.
Along with the modifications to storage calculations, Google is reportedly working on enhancing backup management features. These new options aim to offer users more comprehensive control over which apps and types of data are backed up. This added flexibility is designed to help users minimize backup sizes and better manage their cloud storage resources.
The impending changes underscore Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its cloud storage services and provide users with more customized options. By integrating Android device backups into the overall storage calculation and introducing new backup management tools, Google aims to streamline the backup process while encouraging users to make informed decisions about their data management.
