If you use Gmail, Google Photos, or Google Drive, this update is important for you. Google has changed the way it counts your free 15GB cloud storage. Because of the new rule, your free storage could fill up much faster than before.
As a result, some users may need to buy extra Google storage or delete old files to make space.
Android Backups Will Now Use Your 15GB Storage
Earlier, Android phone backups did not use the same amount of Google Account storage as they do now. But under Google’s new policy, all Android backup data will now count towards your free 15GB storage limit.
This means your phone backups will now share the same storage space as your Gmail emails, Google Photos, and Google Drive files.
What Data Will Be Counted?
The new rule, which came into effect on July 7, includes almost everything your Android phone backs up to your Google Account.
This includes SMS messages, call history, device settings, wallpapers, installed apps, app data, and other backup files.
Google says this change will make Android backup storage part of the same 15GB free cloud storage available with every Google Account.
How You Can Save Storage
To help users manage space, Google is adding new backup controls in Android settings.
These options will let you choose what you want to back up. For example, you can turn off backups for SMS, call history, or device settings if you don’t want them to use your storage.
This will help users save free storage and keep only important data backed up.
Many Users May Need Extra Storage
For users who already use Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive regularly, the new policy could make the free 15GB storage run out much sooner.
If your storage becomes full, you may need to delete unnecessary files or upgrade to a paid Google storage plan to continue backing up your data.
