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You’re going to have to use more of your free Google storage whenever you back up your Android going forward.
As of July 7, Google now counts all forms of users’ data toward their 15GB free storage limit, not just images and photos uploaded to Google Photos and what is called ‘MMS data,’ which are photos and videos sent via text message. Now, additional data like your SMS messages, call history, and device settings will all be counted towards the limit. Luckily, Google estimates that the change to its rules should only bump up the average user’s storage needs by 40MB.
According to Google’s updated FAQ page, first spotted by 9to5Google, the change will first roll out to new Android users, followed by all users over the coming months.
Users are also set to receive new granular controls about what data they want to be backed up, toggling on and off whatever data types they want stored. These controls are set to roll out in the coming weeks.
If you’d like to limit what type of data gets stored, and you’re using a Pixel device, head to Settings, then Accounts and backup, then Google Backup, and head to Other device data. You can also try searching “backup” in your Settings app.
If you are concerned about running out of storage space and you’d be interested in upgrading, Google One (Basic) gets you 100GB of total data storage, for $1.99 (approximately AED 7 / SAR 7) per month or $19.99 (approximately AED 73 / SAR 75) per year. If you’re hungry for even more data, you can get 200GB for $2.99 (approximately AED 11 / SAR 11) per month or $29.99 (approximately AED 110 / SAR 112) per year as part of the Standard subscription. Meanwhile, Google One’s Premium Subscription will get you 2TB of data for $9.99 (approximately AED 37 / SAR 37) per month or $99.99 (approximately AED 367 / SAR 375) per year.
It’s important to note that even if Google is tightening up its free storage limits, it’s still giving more away than Apple. Apple’s iCloud gives users just 5GB free.
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I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.
I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.
I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.
I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.
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