Google has announced changes to its Android backup policy that will see all data backed up from Android smartphones and tablets count toward users’ Google Account storage limits.
The technology company said the change will take effect within the next 45 days, meaning data such as SMS messages, call history, device settings, and app settings will start using space from users’ available Google storage.
“Effective in 45 days, all data included in your Android device backups will begin counting toward your Google Account storage limit. Photos and videos in Google Photos and MMS data already count toward your Google Account storage today,” Google said in a notification sent to Android users.
The company warned that the amount of storage used by device backups may increase once the new policy takes effect.
“Your automatic backups will pause if your Google Account exceeds its storage limit until you free up space or upgrade your plan,” Google said.
Alongside the policy change, Google is introducing more detailed backup controls that will allow Android users to choose which data types and individual applications they want to back up.
Users running Android 9 or later will be able to manage backup preferences through their device settings and select only the information they consider important.
Google currently provides free account users with 15GB of storage, which is shared across services including Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.
Users who need additional storage can upgrade through Google One subscription plans.
