Key Points
- Google is changing how Android backups count toward cloud storage.
- The policy takes effect from September 2026 for existing users.
- SMS, call history, device settings and app settings will now count toward storage.
- Photos, videos and MMS data already count toward storage.
- Automatic backups may pause if users exceed their storage limits.
- Google is adding new backup controls so users can choose what to save.
Millions of Android users will soon see a significant change to how their device backups use Google cloud storage after Google announced a new backup policy scheduled to take effect from September 2026.
The company recently informed users that all Android backup data will begin counting toward their Google Account storage allocation, expanding beyond the current policy where only certain backup items, such as photos, videos and MMS data, consume cloud storage.
What Is Changing?
Under the updated policy, additional backup items—including:
- SMS messages
- Call history
- Device settings
- App settings
will now count against the storage available in a user's Google Account.
Google says the average increase should be relatively small for most users, but those already close to their storage limits may find automatic backups paused until they free up space or upgrade their storage plan.
Who Will Be Affected?
Every Google Account includes 15GB of free cloud storage, shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.
Users already using most of that storage could be affected once Android backups begin counting toward the same limit.
Those who need additional storage can subscribe to a Google One plan or remove unnecessary files from their accounts.
New Backup Controls
Alongside the policy change, Google is rolling out more detailed backup controls for Android devices.
Users running Android 9 or later will be able to choose exactly which apps and data types are backed up, allowing them to reduce unnecessary cloud storage usage.
The new controls include separate switches for items such as SMS messages, call history and device settings, giving users greater control over what is stored in their Google Account.
What Should Android Users Do?
Google recommends checking available storage through the Google One Storage Manager before the policy takes effect.
Users nearing their storage limits may wish to:
- Delete unnecessary files.
- Disable backup for apps they do not need.
- Upgrade to a larger Google One storage plan.
The company says the changes are designed to provide more transparency while giving users better control over their Android backups.
