Google Begins Counting Android Backups Toward Storage Limits, Reaching 15GB Faster

Google will now include all Android device backup data in Google account storage limits starting July 7. Previously, only media from Google Photos and MMS data was counted. The change affects new users immediately while existing users will receive updates gradually. Google explains that backups allow users to restore data and set up new devices, estimating average additional storage usage at around 40MB. A new feature lets users exclude specific data types like call logs and SMS from backups, aligning with Google's recent storage policy adjustments that reduced new account storage limits to 5GB. Users managing multiple devices or extensive data may need to review backup settings, with storage impacts varying based on account creation dates.