Google to Count All Android Backup Data Against Account Storage Limits

Executive Briefing

• Shifts policy starting July 7, requiring all Android backup data to count toward Google account storage caps
• Previously, only Google Photos uploads and MMS media counted against the storage limit
• Expects average impact of just 40MB per user, minimizing practical disruption for most accounts
• Introduces new granular controls allowing users to exclude settings, call history, and SMS from backups
• Continues broader storage policy tightening after May tests reduced default free storage from 15GB to 5GB