# Google backup quota & EU Gemini AI mandate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-android-perapp-backup-control > Updated: 2026-07-30T22:02:00.000Z. Sources: 71. Developments: 12. Google’s per‑app Android backup, launched on 9 July 2026 via Play Services 26.25, now counts toward the 15 GB free Google‑Account storage quota. After the 45‑day transition period, the change took effect on 7 July 2026 for all accounts; users nearing their limit see backups pause until space is freed or a plan is upgraded. On 20 July 2026 Google began emailing users about the upcoming quota impact, and a 23 July notice added that app‑setting data is included and that inactive backups will be deleted after a defined period of inactivity. The same day Google reiterated that Android 9‑plus devices can select which data categories—SMS, call logs, device settings, app settings, etc.—are backed up and monitor usage via the Google One storage manager. A further update on 23 July 2026 clarified the quota expansion, estimating an average additional 40 MB per user (roughly 10 MB typical) and confirming tighter controls for inactive backups. On 30 July 2026 Google rolled out an automatic “Documents” backup for devices running Play Services 26. The feature creates an “Android backups” folder in the user’s Drive, adds sub‑folders per device, and uploads downloads, Chrome PDFs and Office‑type files (.DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF). Backed‑up documents are encrypted in transit and at rest, count toward the 15 GB quota, and can be enabled or disabled in Settings → Accounts and backup → Google Backup. Disabling the option does not remove previously stored files, and the backup stores only the current version of each document without syncing changes across devices. Separately, the European Commission invoked the Digital Markets Act on 18 July 2026, issuing binding decisions that require Google to make its Gemini AI features interoperable on Android devices covering roughly 427 million EU smartphones. ## Claims - Google is rolling out an automatic “Documents” backup feature for Android devices. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The feature creates an “Android backups” folder in My Drive with device‑named subfolders. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The rollout is available on devices with stable Google Play services version 26. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The backup automatically uploads files and downloads from Android devices to Google Drive. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Supported file types include .DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF and other documents saved to the device. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Documents are encrypted during transfer and while stored in Google’s data centers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Disabling the feature does not delete previously backed‑up files from Google Drive. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Backed‑up files count toward the user's 15 GB of free Google Account storage. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-07-30: Google adds automatic Android Documents backup to Google Drive Google launches an automatic Android Documents backup that syncs files to Google Drive, creates device‑specific folders, encrypts data, and counts toward the 15 GB free storage limit. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-adds-automatic-android-documents-backup-to-google-drive ### 2026-07-23: Google expands Android backup to count against Google Account storage quota Google will count Android backup data—including SMS, call logs and app settings—against Google Account storage, adding new user controls and warning of possible backup pauses for full‑quota accounts. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-expands-android-backup-to-count-against-google-account-storage-quota ### 2026-07-20: Google to Count Android Backups Against Free Account Storage Google will count Android backups toward the free 15 GB storage limit starting July 7 2026; users get a 45‑day notice, can manage data types, and must free space or upgrade if limits are exceeded. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-alters-android-backup-policy-data-now-counts-toward-account-storage ### 2026-07-18: Google ordered to open Gemini AI on Android and to count Android backups toward account storage EU rules force Google to open Gemini AI on Android for 427 M devices, while Google now counts Android backup data toward the 15 GB free storage, adding ~40 MB per backup. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-adds-android-backup-data-to-free-15-gb-storage-quota ### 2026-07-11: Google introduces native document backup and granular controls for Android Google's Android update adds native document backup to Drive and lets users enable or disable backups for calls, settings, and messages individually, counting against account storage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-introduces-native-document-backup-and-granular-controls-for-android ### 2026-07-11: Google limits free Android backup storage to 15 GB total From July 7, Google counts all Android backup data—including SMS, call logs and settings—toward the 15 GB free limit, adding about 40 MB per user; granular controls and Google One plans are offered. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-limits-free-android-backup-storage-to-15-gb-total ### 2026-07-11: Google Messages adds new multi‑contact sharing options Google Messages update adds “Send to group” and “Send separately” sharing options, detecting existing groups and allowing multi‑item forwarding. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-messages-to-add-multicontact-sharing-options-in-upcoming-update ### 2026-07-10: Google adds granular Android backup toggles and expands Messages sharing features Google adds toggles to stop SMS/MMS/RCS backup and a local file backup to Drive, while Messages beta introduces bulk forwarding and enhanced sharing options. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-adds-granular-android-backup-toggles-and-expands-messages-sharing-features ### 2026-07-09: Google Makes Android Backups Count Against Account Storage Google now lets Android users turn off SMS, call‑history and settings backups and adds a Documents backup, while counting all backup data against the 15 GB free storage limit. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-expands-android-backup-data-to-count-against-cloud-storage-quota ### 2026-07-06: Google counts all Android backup data toward free 15 GB account storage Starting 7 July 2026 Google will count all Android backup data—including SMS, call logs and settings—against the free 15 GB account limit, adding about 40 MB per user and introducing new toggles for backup gran 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-updates-android-backup-policy-increasing-storage-use ### 2026-07-05: Google adds per‑app backup control to Android via Google One Google’s Android update, delivered via Google One, now lets users toggle cloud backup for each app, saving storage and matching iOS functionality. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-adds-perapp-backup-control-to-android-via-google-one ### 2026-06-29: Google introduces app‑by‑app backup control for Android Google is testing an Android update that adds per‑app cloud backup toggles, initially on Pixel devices with Android 16/17, giving users finer control over data and storage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-introduces-appbyapp-backup-control-for-android --- Cite as: Google backup quota & EU Gemini AI mandate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-android-perapp-backup-control