Google’s Android backup system is changing in a way that many users will feel only when their storage starts running out. From 7 July 2026, all backup data from Android devices will count toward Google account storage, not just photos and videos.
The practical effect may be modest for many people, with GadgetVIVA citing an average impact of around 40 MB. But for accounts already close to the limit, the new policy could make storage-full warnings appear sooner than expected.
What now counts against storage
Until now, only Google Photos images and videos, along with MMS media, used up the 15 GB free quota. Under the updated policy, backup data that was previously excluded will also be part of the same storage pool.
| Backup Data Type | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Counted against quota | Still counted against quota |
| Call history, SMS, system settings, app data | Not counted | Counted against quota |
The newly counted items include call history, SMS, MMS, device settings, app data when permitted by the developer, and the list of previously installed apps. That means backup content that once felt separate from storage management will now share the same limit.
Who is affected first
The change applies immediately to new Android users after 7 July 2026. For existing users, Google said the update will roll out gradually over the following weeks or months.
Google also said existing backup data will not suddenly be deleted. What changes is how that data is calculated within the total account storage.
Why Google is unifying the policy
Google wants a consistent storage system across Drive, Gmail, Photos, and Backup. The goal is to remove confusion over which data consumes quota and which does not.
The shift also fits Google’s push toward Google One paid plans. With the free storage allowance for new accounts already reduced to 5 GB in May 2026, Android backups counting toward the same pool create additional pressure for users with limited space.
How to reduce backup usage
Google still gives users more control over what gets backed up. In Settings, users can open Google, then Backup, to adjust their backup preferences.
Options that can be turned off include call history, SMS and MMS, and app data for specific applications. Users can also open Manage backup to review details by app and disable backup for apps they rarely use or that store large amounts of data.
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Call history | Turns off call history backup if it is not needed |
| SMS/MMS | Reduces the amount of message data stored in backup |
| App data | Limits backup for selected apps |
| Manage backup | Shows backup details by app |
Selective settings can help stretch free storage for longer and keep accounts below the limit. They are especially useful for users whose Google storage is already close to full.
Other ways to keep storage manageable
Google One includes a Review storage option that offers cleanup recommendations. Users are also advised to remove duplicate photos, low-resolution videos, and apps that may be storing large amounts of cloud data without being noticed.
Google One Vault can be used to archive important data without disrupting the main system. With Android backups now tied more closely to the same storage pool, account management becomes more important for users who have relied on automatic backup without checking what it contains.
