Google counts all Android backup data toward free 15 GB account storage

From 7 July 2026 Google will count every type of Android backup data against the 15 GB of free storage that each Google Account provides. The policy change expands the storage calculation from only photos, videos and MMS media to include SMS and MMS messages, call history, device settings and app data. Google estimates the average increase per account will be about 40 MB. The rollout starts immediately for users who set up a new Android backup; existing accounts will receive the change gradually over the coming months.

Along with the new counting rule Google is adding granular backup controls. New toggles let users enable or disable backup of SMS/MMS, call history and device settings, in addition to the existing per‑app controls. The options are accessed via Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data (or the equivalent on non‑Pixel devices). Google says the impact on most users will be minimal, but the change follows a €126 million settlement over undisclosed data‑collection practices and earlier experiments to reduce the free‑storage quota for new accounts.

The update means that Android backups will now share the same quota as Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, potentially prompting users near the 15 GB limit to review their storage usage or consider a Google One subscription.