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Google Counts All Android Backups Against Account Storage

The change could push users who are near the free 15 GB limit to delete data or buy extra Google One storage.

Overview

  • Google confirmed Tuesday that all Android backup data types — including app data, SMS/MMS, call history and device settings — will be counted toward a user’s Google account storage quota.
  • The policy applies immediately to new Android backup users and will be rolled out to existing accounts over the coming months, with Pixel owners already seeing new backup menus.
  • Google says the change will add only about 40 MB on average per backup but warned that accounts already near capacity could run out of space faster.
  • The company will add new on/off toggles in the coming weeks so users can stop backing up specific items like SMS, call history or device settings and can deselect individual apps.
  • Users who hit limits can delete backups, remove data types, or upgrade to paid Google One plans for more space; the shift follows earlier moves to count WhatsApp cloud backups against quotas.