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Google notifies Android users that backups will count toward Google Account storage, adding ~40 MB on average and new granular controls – see how it impacts
Google has begun emailing Android users to warn that, starting in 45 days, all backup data—including SMS, call history, device and app settings—will count toward their Google Account storage limit, a shift that could add roughly 40 MB per user on average [2].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Policy change | Android backups count toward Google storage |
| Notice period | 45 days before rollout |
| Expected impact | ~40 MB additional storage per backup |
| New controls | Granular toggles for SMS/MMS, call history, device settings |
Google’s email explains that the upcoming policy expands the storage‑counting scope from only Google Photos uploads and MMS messages to the full set of backup items, such as SMS messages, call logs, and app data [1][2]. Users who exceed their quota after the change will see automatic backups pause until they free up space or upgrade their plan [1][2]. The company also provides an estimate of each user’s additional storage need; in one example the increase is 0.03 GB (about 30 MB) [2].
Alongside the storage rule, Google is rolling out more granular backup settings for Android 9 and later. Users can now toggle on or off specific categories—SMS/MMS, call history, and device settings—allowing them to limit what is stored and mitigate the storage impact [3][4]. These controls appear in the Settings app under Accounts → Backup → Google Backup → Other device data. The added flexibility is positioned as the primary benefit of the change, giving users direct control over what consumes their cloud quota.
The free Google Account tier provides only 15 GB of storage, shared across Gmail, Drive, Photos, and now Android backups [4]. By counting backup data toward this limit, Google may push a segment of users with tight quotas toward paid Google One plans, echoing similar monetization moves seen in other cloud services. Competitors such as Apple’s iCloud already include device backups in their storage calculations, so the policy aligns Android with broader industry practices, though the modest average increase (~40 MB) suggests limited immediate pressure on most users.
The shift underscores Google’s effort to monetize its cloud ecosystem while offering users finer control over backup content; how quickly users adopt the new toggles and whether the policy accelerates paid storage adoption remain open questions.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · Jul 20, 2026 · How we report
The policy will take effect 45 days after Google sent the notification email to Android users.
Data such as SMS messages, call history, device settings, app settings, and other backup content will count toward the storage limit.
Yes, users on Android 9 or later can use granular backup controls to select specific apps and data types for backup.
Automatic Android backups will pause until the user frees up storage, purchases additional storage, or disables backups.
Users can view backup size and manage storage through the Google One storage manager.