Google has announced a change in the methodology for counting Android backup data within the Google Drive storage limit. Starting on July 7, 2026, all cloud-saved data will be counted against the established limit.
Changes to Android Backup
Currently, only photos and videos stored in Google Photos or present in MMS messages are counted as used space for backup. With the modification, app data, call history, and SMS messages, in addition to device settings, will be included. Although this additional information, such as SMS messages, is typically composed of plain text and occupies little space compared to large volumes of photos and videos, Google estimates that this adjustment will result in an average increase of only 40 MB in storage consumption.
It is important to note that Android has a policy allowing each application to use up to 25 MB of Google Drive. This change will take effect this Tuesday (07/07) for new users, while those who already have a Google account will need to go through this update at some point in the coming months.
Future Backup Developments
Android is scheduled to receive more detailed backup control features in the future. Pixel line devices, developed by Google itself, have already been updated to include the 'App Data' section in the cloud backup settings.
This new section allows the user to check the space consumed by each application and enables activating or deactivating backup individually. As reported by 9to5Google, this feature is part of Google Play Services 26.24, but it is not yet available on devices from other manufacturers.
It seems that Google is looking for ways to manage the cloud space offered to its customers. In the United States and Europe, the company is testing the space limitation for new accounts at 5 GB. To access the traditionally provided 15 GB, it is necessary to associate a phone number.