Android Backup Policy Update: How Does Your 15GB of Free Storage Fare?
Starting July 7, 2026, Google adjusted its Android backup policy – all backup data (including SMS, call logs, device settings, and app data) will now count towards the Google account storage quota. In an email sent to users, Google stated that this change will take effect for existing users after 45 days. Previously, only photos and videos backed up via Google Photos and MMS data consumed storage space.
Google stated that the new data adds an average of about 40MB to backup sizes. At the same time, Google introduced more granular backup control switches, allowing users to choose what to back up by data type and individual apps.
If you exceed storage limits, Android automatic backup will pause until space is freed up or you upgrade to Google One.
Alongside the new policy, Google has introduced more granular backup control options. Users can manage backup preferences in Settings → Accounts & Backup → Google Backup → Other device data (Pixel device path). The new switches cover SMS and MMS messages, call logs, and device settings. Previously, Google has been gradually rolling out per-app backup controls.
For Pixel 1–5 users, the unlimited high-quality backup space for Google Photos remains unaffected by this policy change. Additionally, Google recently tested reducing the default free storage for new accounts from 15GB to 5GB (requiring a phone number to maintain 15GB).
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- Turn off the Discover feed — This preloads articles and images in the background, consuming data and battery. Path: Google App → Profile → Settings → General → Turn off Discover
- Turn off “Hey Google” voice wake-up — The microphone is always listening for the wake word, a significant battery drain. Path: Gemini App → Menu → Profile → Settings → Talk to Gemini hands-free → Turn off Hey Google
- Set Google app battery usage to “Restricted” — Limits background tasks, scheduled jobs, and network activity. Path: Settings → Apps → Google → Battery → Select “Restricted”
