Google starts informing Android users about a major backup storage change - Android Authority

What the report says

Android Authority reports that Google has begun emailing Android users about a coming change to how device backups count against Google Account storage. The notice gives users 45 days before the updated policy takes effect, according to the outlet, and confirms that Android backup data will be included in a user’s overall storage limit.

Under the change described in the report, backup items that previously did not all count toward the limit will now be included. Android Authority says this covers data such as SMS messages, call history, device settings and app settings, while Google Photos uploads and MMS messages already use account storage. The email also warns that if an account goes over its storage cap after the policy starts, automatic Android backups will stop until the user creates space or buys more storage.

The report says Google is also providing users with an estimate of how much extra storage their Android backup will require. Android Authority’s example showed an increase of about 0.03GB, or roughly 30MB, and the outlet noted this is close to an earlier figure it cited from Google suggesting an average impact of around 40MB.

Android Authority adds that Google is confirming more detailed backup controls for devices running Android 9 or newer. Users will be able to select which types of data and individual apps are backed up, and can review backup storage through the Google One storage manager. The change matters because Android backups may soon affect storage quotas for users on free or paid Google plans.