Observed Signal · Jul 9, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google Will Count Android Device Backups Against Storage
Google has updated its support guidance: system backups from Android devices will now count against a user's Google account storage quota. The change means SMS/MMS, call logs, device settings and app data included in device backups are subject to the account's available storage (15 GB free by default). Android settings will provide controls to select which device data to back up; Pixel devices already offer this control. Google lists which file types are and are not counted on its support pages. The article notes that users who need more space can subscribe to Google One (100 GB plans start at €2/month) and compares Google’s free 15 GB to Apple iCloud’s 5 GB free tier (iCloud+ 50 GB for €1/month).
A storage-policy change from Google (a major platform) alters how user data is counted and may drive subscription purchases and user behaviour; platform policy updates from Google have broad downstream effects.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google will count Android device backup data against a user's Google account storage quota.
- Data types explicitly listed as counted include SMS (and MMS), call logs, device settings and app data.
- Android devices will let users choose in Backup/Sicherung settings which device data to back up; Pixel phones already offer this control.
- Google accounts include 15 GB of free storage by default; Google One's smallest paid plan is 100 GB for €2/month.
- For comparison, Apple provides 5 GB free in iCloud and iCloud+ offers 50 GB for €1/month.
Connected Companies & Entities
7 Entities mapped“Google changes the rules for cloud storage: Data from system backups will soon be counted against the account quota....”
“The article was published on the t3n website (t3n – digital pioneers)....”
“The page includes external content from TargetVideo GmbH that complements the editorial offering....”
“For comparison: Apple's iCloud offers 5 GB free; the smallest iCloud+ subscription provides 50 GB for €1 per month....”
“The article mentions WhatsApp backups (parent company: Meta Platforms) among user data types that users back up to the cloud....”
“Image credit: Shutterstock/JarTee....”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google counts Android backups toward account storage
Google will begin charging Android device backups against users' Google account storage as of 2026-07-07 for new backup users, with existing accounts to be included in the coming months. Affected backup types include call history, device settings, app data and SMS (photos and videos were already counted). Google estimates the additional backup data will average around 40 MB, but actual usage depends on each device's stored content. To offset the change, Google is rolling out new toggles that let users exclude specific backup items or individual apps from backups. Users who need more space can upgrade to Google One, with plans starting at €2/month for 100 GB up to €220/month for 30 TB; higher tiers include additional AI features.
Google allows excluding individual Android apps from backups
Google is rolling out a new Android backup feature that lets users exclude individual apps from cloud backups. The capability is being distributed via Google Play services version 26.25 (from June 29) and is currently in beta; it is not limited to Pixel devices or the newest Android version. The per-app controls appear under Settings → Google services and settings → Manage backup → Other device data → Device data → App data, where users can toggle exclusion for specific apps; the system warns that excluded app data will be deleted from the user’s Google account and will no longer be backed up from that device. Core data types such as SMS/MMS, call logs and device settings remain always backed up. Google previously added automatic saving of downloaded documents to Google Drive in Play services version 26.06.
Google Tests 5GB Default Storage; 15GB Needs Phone
Reports indicate Google is testing a change to the free cloud storage allocation for new accounts: newly created Google accounts may receive only 5 GB by default, with the full 15 GB unlocked only after a phone number is added for verification. The change is reflected in an updated Google support page that now says users receive “up to 15 GB” rather than a flat 15 GB. A Reddit user and coverage on AndroidCentral surfaced the test; Google says the phone number is used to ensure the bonus storage is granted only once per person. Observers note the move could aim to curb bot/misuse or nudge users toward paid storage plans. The article was published by t3n on 2026-05-15.
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