Google Makes Android Backups Count Against Account Storage

Google has begun rolling out new backup controls for Android devices. Users can now toggle whether SMS, MMS (including RCS), call history and device settings are backed up to the cloud, using switches in Settings → Accounts and backup → Google Backup → Other device data. At the same time, a Documents backup option is being introduced, automatically saving supported local files such as PDFs, DOC, PPT and XLS to a device‑specific folder in Google Drive.

All data backed up through Android, including the newly selectable categories, will be deducted from the 15 GB free Google Account storage quota. Google estimates the average user’s backup size will increase by about 40 MB. Users who exceed the free limit will need to purchase additional Google One storage. The changes are being deployed via Google Play services version 26.25 and are expected to reach most Android phones in the coming weeks.