Google has announced a significant change to its account storage policies. Starting July 7, 2026, all data in Android backups will count toward the storage limit on your Google Account. Previously, only media uploaded to Google Photos and photos or videos within MMS messages were counted. The change applies immediately to new Android users, while existing users will see it roll out in the coming months. The company estimates an average impact of just 40 MB, but transparency on usage becomes even more critical for those relying on free storage.
New controls for selective backup management
With this update, Google also introduces more granular tools to decide what to save. From the device backup menu, you can exclude device settings, call history, SMS and MMS messages, as well as individual app data. This flexibility helps minimize the impact on your storage. For free account users, the margin shrinks further: in May 2026, Google began testing a reduced default free storage limit from 15GB to 5GB for new accounts, unless a phone number is linked. The move aligns with a broader push toward paid plans like Google One. For more on how companies are reshaping storage services, check our article on Nothing Ear (3a) with local storage.
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A gradual but concrete impact for millions of users
The change is not sudden for everyone: Google has planned a gradual rollout for existing users, who will receive notifications when the new policy applies to their account. The average 40 MB may seem negligible, but for those already at 99% usage on a 15GB account, every megabyte matters. Users with multiple devices or heavy data synchronization might see a larger increase. For those seeking alternatives, third-party cloud storage services exist, but the convenience of automatic Android backups remains a strong point. An insight into how companies are redesigning services can be found in the article on Mint Mobile dropping Pixel phones. For an overview of big tech storage policies, see Wikipedia.
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What it means for you and how to prepare
For Android users, the advice is to check backup settings immediately and remove unnecessary data. Google offers built-in tools to view storage breakdown by backups, photos, mail, and files. Reducing backup frequency or excluding heavy apps can make a difference. If your account is nearing the limit, the simplest solution is to purchase additional space with Google One, but also emptying the Google Photos trash and deleting backups of old devices can free up precious GB. In an ecosystem where every gigabyte grows more valuable, Google's new policy serves as a reminder to actively manage your digital footprint.
