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Google starts informing Android users about a major backup storage change

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Why This Matters

Google's upcoming backup storage policy change will make all Android backup data, including SMS, call history, and device settings, count toward Google Account storage limits. This shift emphasizes the importance of managing storage space or upgrading plans to avoid backup disruptions. The update also introduces granular backup controls, allowing users to select specific data types to back up, enhancing user control and flexibility.

Key Takeaways

Shimul Sood / Android Authority

TL;DR Google has started emailing Android users about its upcoming backup storage policy change that takes effect in 45 days.

All Android backup data, including SMS, call history, device settings, and app settings, will soon count toward your Google Account

storage limit.

storage limit. The email also confirms new granular backup controls that let users choose exactly which apps and data types are backed up.

Google has started emailing Android users about an upcoming change to its backup storage policy, giving users a 45-day heads-up before the new rules take effect.

Earlier this month, Google was spotted preparing to make all Android backup data count toward your Google Account storage. At the time, the company had quietly begun rolling out the change alongside new backup controls. Now, Google is officially notifying users via email, confirming both the policy update and what it means if you run out of storage.

The email explains that, once the change takes effect, “all data included in Android device backups will count toward your Google Account storage limit.” While Google Photos uploads and MMS messages already consume storage today, the update extends this to other backed-up data, including SMS messages, call history, device settings, app settings, and more.

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

Google also warns users that if their account exceeds its storage limit after the change, “automatic Android backups will pause” until they either free up storage or upgrade their Google storage plan.

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