Google alerts Android users about major backup storage policy change
Android backups will soon count against your Google Account storage limit.
1Storage Policy Overhaul
Google has started emailing Android users about a significant backup storage policy change taking effect in 45 days. All backup data including SMS, call history, and settings will now count toward Google Account storage limits. This change aims to make users more conscious about storage management.
2What's Changing?
Under the new policy, SMS messages, device settings, and app data will join Google Photos and MMS in consuming storage quota. Google estimates an average increase of about 40MB in backup size, which it claims will be negligible for most users.
3Storage Limit Implications
Google warns that automatic backups will pause if accounts exceed storage limits. Users must either free up space or upgrade their storage plans. The emails include personalized estimates of additional storage consumption from backups.
4Granular Control Options
Android 9+ users will gain precise control over which data types and individual apps are included in backups. This feature allows exclusion of specific data that users don't want restored to future devices.
5Storage Management Tools
Through Google One storage manager, users can monitor backup storage usage. Options include freeing up space, purchasing additional storage, or completely disabling Android backups as needed.
6User Experience Impact
This change will require users to reevaluate their data management habits. Particularly crucial for those near storage limits, this update signals Google's evolving cloud storage strategy and its emphasis on user-controlled data management.