Google is notifying Android users about an upcoming change that will affect how device backups are counted against Google Account storage. The company has begun sending emails to users, providing a 45-day notice before the updated policy takes effect and explaining how the changes could impact available cloud storage.
For most Canadians using Android devices, the change is expected to have only a minimal effect on storage usage. However, users with limited free space or those relying on Google’s free storage tier may want to review their account before the new rules come into force.
Google Confirms Android Backup Data Will Count Toward Storage Limits
Google has officially confirmed that all Android device backup data will soon count toward a user’s Google Account storage quota.
Previously, only certain types of content, such as Google Photos uploads and MMS messages, were included in storage calculations. Under the updated policy, a much broader range of backup data will now be counted.
This includes:
- SMS messages
- Call history
- Device settings
- App settings
- Other Android backup data
Google says the change is intended to provide a more consistent approach to cloud storage management across its services.
What Happens if Your Storage Is Full?
According to the email sent to users, automatic Android backups will stop if an account exceeds its available storage after the policy takes effect.
To restore automatic backups, users will need to either:
- Free up space in their Google Account.
- Purchase additional Google cloud storage.
- Reduce the amount of backup data being stored.
Without sufficient storage, new device backups will not be created until space becomes available.
Most Users Are Expected to See Only a Small Increase
Google is also providing users with a personalized estimate of how much additional storage their Android backups will require once the new policy is implemented.
In one example shared in the notification, an Android backup was expected to grow by only 0.03 GB, or approximately 30 MB.
That estimate closely aligns with Google’s earlier guidance that the average increase would be roughly 40 MB, suggesting the vast majority of users are unlikely to notice a significant change in their storage usage.
For Canadians using the standard 15 GB of free Google Account storage—which is shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos—the additional backup space is expected to be relatively minor. However, those already nearing their storage limit may still need to monitor their available capacity.
New Backup Controls Offer More Flexibility
Alongside the storage policy update, Google is introducing more detailed Android backup controls.
Users Can Choose What Gets Backed Up
Anyone using Android 9 or later will gain access to more granular backup settings, allowing them to decide exactly what information is included in cloud backups.
Users will be able to:
- Select specific categories of data to back up.
- Choose which individual apps are included.
- Exclude information they do not want restored to a future device.
The added flexibility gives users greater control over both privacy and storage usage, while making it easier to keep backup sizes to a minimum.
How to Monitor Backup Storage
Google says users can keep track of the amount of space consumed by Android backups through the Google One storage manager.
If storage begins to run low, users have several options:
- Delete unnecessary files to free up space.
- Upgrade to a larger Google storage plan.
- Disable Android backups if cloud backups are no longer needed.
The company recommends monitoring available storage regularly, particularly for users who already store large photo libraries, emails or files in their Google Account.
Bottom Line
Google’s upcoming Android backup policy marks a notable change in how cloud storage is managed across Google Accounts. While the additional storage required for most backups is expected to be small, the update means all Android backup data will now count toward users’ overall storage limits. The introduction of more detailed backup controls should also give Android users greater flexibility to manage what is stored in the cloud while helping avoid unnecessary use of limited storage space.
Francesco Petrarca is a writer for ThePacket.ca, covering news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to clear and reliable reporting, providing readers with useful information, timely updates, and stories that highlight important developments and current affairs.