Google is making a policy change to Android backups that adjusts what counts toward your Google Account storage.
Previously, Android backups would only count images and videos uploaded to Google Photos and “MMS data” (photos + videos) toward your Google Account storage of 15 GB (free) or more with Google One (paid).
Starting on July 7, all data types that appear in Android backup settings are included and count against your storage limit. This now includes SMS messages (the actual text), call history, and device settings.
On average, Google says this new data should increase your backup size by 40 MB.
As part of this launch, Google is giving Android users more control over what’s included in the backup. We’ve already seen per-app controls, but Google is also adding on/off toggles for SMS & MMS messages, Call history, and Device settings. These new preferences are rolling out over the coming weeks.
To access this page, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data on Pixel devices. You can also search for “backup” in your Settings app.
This new policy is rolling out starting tomorrow for new Android backup users and will come to existing accounts in the coming months. More details are available here.
“Android backup lets you save the data on your phone to your Google Account so you can easily restore it or set up a new device. We’ve updated our policy so that all Android backup data now counts toward Google Account storage. We expect this to only add 40MB on average. We’re also giving you more transparency and new controls that let you select which data and apps you want to back up.”
Google spokesperson
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