Android users are facing a notable change in how Google handles backups, and the impact will be felt directly in account storage. Starting July 7, 2026, all Android backup data will count toward a Google account’s storage quota.
The shift matters because backup storage is one of the core tools Android users rely on to keep phone data safe. It helps restore content when moving to a new device or after a factory reset, but it will now use more of the space tied to the account itself.
What changes under the new policy
Under the previous approach, Android backup data did not fully consume account storage. The main items that counted were media in Google Photos and photos or videos sent through MMS messages.
Google said the new policy is not expected to create a major burden for most users. A company spokesperson said the average extra storage use is only about 40 MB, according to KompasTekno citing Engadget.
| Backup Policy | Before July 7, 2026 | Starting July 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Android backup data | Not fully counted toward account storage | Counted toward Google account storage quota |
| Google Photos media and MMS photos or videos | Counted toward storage | Counted toward storage |
| Average additional usage | About 40 MB lower impact | About 40 MB additional usage on average |
The rollout will apply immediately to new Android users. Existing users will receive the update gradually over the following period.
Google adds more control over what gets backed up
Alongside the policy change, Google is also offering more flexible backup settings on Android devices. Through the Backup menu, users can choose which data and apps they want to save.
The available options include turning off backups for device settings, call history, and SMS and MMS messages. Users can also decide whether data from specific apps should be included in the backup process.
This added control is meant to improve transparency and give users a clearer view of what is being stored. It also arrives during a broader period of changes to Google’s storage services.
In May 2026, Google began testing a reduction in free storage for new accounts from 15 GB to 5 GB, unless users linked their accounts to a phone number.
With these updates in place, Android users may need to review their backup settings more carefully to avoid filling storage faster than expected. A more selective backup setup could help keep account space available once the new policy takes full effect.
