Google expands Android backup to count against Google Account storage quota

Google has begun notifying Android users that, starting 45 days after the notice, data stored in Android backup will be counted toward the total storage quota of their Google Account (the free 15 GB or the paid Google One plan). The change widens the scope of data that consumes space beyond photos, videos and MMS to include SMS messages, call history, device settings, app settings and other backup content. Users of Android 9 and newer will be able to select which data types and apps are included in backups, and can monitor the space used via the Google One storage manager. Google estimates the average additional space per user will be around 40 MB, with a typical increase of roughly 10 MB. Accounts that approach their storage limit may have automatic backups paused until space is freed or the user upgrades their plan. The update also introduces tighter controls for inactive backups, which will be deleted after a period of inactivity.