Google has changed the rules for Android backup, so in the future, all data that enters the backup copy of the phone will count towards the space available on the Google account.
Until now, the space on the account was occupied mainly by photos and videos saved in Google Photos, as well as photos and videos from MMS messages. Other parts of the Android backup system didn’t get the same treatment, but that’s changing now. From July 7, the new rules start to apply to users who enable Android backup for the first time. Existing users will be transferred to the new model gradually, over the coming months.
Android backup gets new rules and more precise controls
The change means that all options from the Android backup settings, including SMS messages, call history, device settings, apps and app data, will count towards the space usage. Google Support states that Android backup can include applications, call history, contacts, device settings, SMS and MMS messages.
Google points out that the impact on most users should not be large. The company expects the average usage increase to be around 40MB per user, which is small compared to the 15GB of free space that each Google account gets
Nevertheless, the change is important because for the first time it clearly puts the entire Android backup in the same account with Gmail messages, Google Drive files and Google Photos content. Users who are already close to the limit could therefore notice new warnings about available space.
Google also announces more precise controls. In addition to the existing options for selecting applications that enter the backup, users will receive separate switches for certain types of data, such as call history and device settings. The new controls should arrive gradually in the coming weeks.
Android backup remains useful because it allows easier data recovery after resetting the phone or switching to a new device. The difference is that the user now has to keep a closer eye on what is stored and how much space it takes up, Google Support announced.