Google to Count All Android Backup Data Toward Storage Cap Starting July 7
Starting July 7, Google will include all Android backup data in the account storage limit, adding about 40 MB on average. Users get new controls to select what to back up.
Google has announced a policy change for Android backups that will take effect on July 7. Previously, only media uploaded to Google Photos and photos or videos within MMS messages counted against the storage cap. Now, all Android backup data will be counted toward the Google Account storage limit.
The change applies immediately to new Android users, while existing users will see it roll out over the coming months. A Google spokesperson stated that on average, this will add only about 40 MB of storage usage. The company is also providing more transparency and new controls under the device's backup menu, allowing users to choose which data and apps to back up.
Users can skip device settings, call history, SMS and MMS messages, as well as toggle individual app data. This is the latest adjustment to Google's storage policies; in May, the company began testing a reduced default free storage limit for new accounts, cutting the maximum from 15 GB to 5 GB unless the user links a phone number.
