Google has officially announced a major shift in how Android smartphone and tablet backups are stored, a change that could push millions of users closer to their cloud storage limits. Beginning in September 2026, all data included in Android device backups will count toward a user's Google Account cloud storage allocation, the company confirmed in an email sent to Android users. This marks a significant departure from the current policy, where only certain data types—such as Google Photos images, videos, and MMS messages—consume storage space.
New Policy Details and Timeline
According to the notification, Google is updating its storage policies to give users greater control over what is stored in the cloud. The email stated: 'We are getting in touch to notify you of an upcoming update to our storage policies, along with new controls designed to give you more control over your Android backups.' Effective 45 days after the notification—culminating in a September 2026 start date—every category of data in Android backups will count toward the user's storage limit. This includes SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app settings, which were previously exempt.
Google cautioned that once a user exceeds their storage allocation, automatic Android backups will stop until sufficient space is freed. To continue backing up, users must delete unnecessary files, purchase additional cloud storage through Google One, or disable Android backups entirely. Free Google accounts come with 15GB of shared storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, meaning users with large email archives or photo libraries could be affected more quickly.
Impact on Users
The change means many Android users may exhaust their available cloud storage sooner than expected. For example, one user received a personalized storage estimate indicating their Android backup size would increase by 0.11GB, and they had already used 578.69GB of their 2TB cloud storage. This underscores how quickly limits can be reached, especially for those with multiple devices or large backup histories. Google emphasized that managing storage carefully is essential to avoid interruptions in automatic backups.
This policy shift follows an earlier change affecting WhatsApp backups. Since early 2024, WhatsApp chat histories and media backups have counted toward Google Drive storage limits after years of being excluded. Meanwhile, WhatsApp owner Meta is developing its own cloud backup service, which is expected to include a 2GB free storage plan alongside paid options starting from 50GB, potentially giving users an alternative to Google's cloud storage.
New Backup Controls for Android 9 and Later
To help users handle the new rules, Google is introducing granular backup controls for devices running Android 9 or later. These settings allow users to decide exactly which apps and data categories should be backed up, reducing unnecessary cloud storage usage. Instead of backing up everything automatically, users can now choose individual apps and specific data types. The company also included personalized storage estimates in its email notifications to give users a clearer picture of their backup footprint.
Users can monitor their available backup space through the Google One Storage Manager, which provides a detailed breakdown of storage usage across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. This tool will be essential for those aiming to stay within the free 15GB tier or to optimize their paid storage plan.
Broader Context and Recommendations
With the September 2026 deadline approaching, Android users are encouraged to review their cloud storage usage and backup settings now to avoid unexpected interruptions. The change affects all Android devices, including those from Samsung, Google Pixel, and other manufacturers. Samsung phone models eligible for the latest Android updates—such as the Galaxy S26 released in early 2026—will also be subject to the new backup policy.
Google's announcement is part of a broader trend toward monetizing cloud storage services and encouraging users to adopt paid plans. As cloud storage becomes more integral to device functionality, users should proactively manage their data to prevent loss of backup capabilities. The new granular controls offer a way to prioritize essential backups while excluding less critical data, helping users stretch their storage further.
