Google to Count Android Backups Against Free Account Storage

Google has begun emailing Android users to announce a policy change that will take effect on July 7, 2026. From that date, all Android device backup data—including SMS messages, call history, device settings, app data and other system information—will count toward the 15 GB of free storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.

Users receive a 45‑day notice before the change. If a Google Account exceeds its storage limit after the policy is applied, automatic Android backups will pause until the user frees space or upgrades to a paid Google One plan. Google estimates the average increase in storage use to be around 40 MB per user.

The update also adds new backup controls for devices running Android 9 or newer, allowing users to select which categories of data (e.g., SMS/MMS, call logs, app settings) are backed up. Users can manage their backup size via the Google One storage manager and choose to exclude specific data to conserve space.