Android Backup to Count Toward Google Storage; Impact Limited
Google changes policy to count Android backup data against account storage. Average 40MB means minimal impact, but users are urged to review settings.
Google has changed its policy to include Android device backup data in account storage usage. According to Android Police, this change will take effect from July 7, 2026. The company had recently reduced the free storage cap from the previous 15GB to 5GB, making the cloud storage environment increasingly stringent.
Nevertheless, the actual impact of this change is expected to be limited. According to Google, typical backup data averages around 40MB, which will not significantly burden users’ storage. This article provides a detailed report on the background of the change, its specific impact, and measures users should take.
Data Subject to Backup
Android backups include application data, call history, contact information, device settings, SMS/MMS data, and Google account information. Previously, much of this data was not counted against storage capacity, but with this change, all backup data will be included in storage calculations.
Not all device data is subject to backup. Media files such as photos and videos saved in Google Photos are managed separately. Google Photos’ storage policy has changed since June 2021, and even high-quality uploads now consume storage capacity. This change further strengthens that trend.
Consecutive Reductions in Free Storage
In April 2026, Google announced a policy to reduce the free storage limit from 15GB to 5GB. This change took effect from July 7, 2026, coinciding with the start of counting backup data. The 15GB free tier had been maintained for approximately 14 years since 2012, but gradual reductions are underway.
This move indicates that Google is strengthening monetization in its cloud storage business. In its 2025 financial report, Google One subscribers increased by about 25% year over year, suggesting that storage charges are functioning as a stable source of revenue.
The Reality of 40MB
According to Android Police, Google states that “most backups fall within the range of about 40MB.” As smartphone internal storage expands from 128GB to 512GB, the figure of 40MB is negligibly small.
The reason backups remain small is that only a portion of app data is included. Cache and temporary files generated by individual apps are excluded, and only settings information and lightweight data are uploaded.
Detailed Settings Viewing Possible
Along with this change, Google will provide features that allow users to control backup settings in greater detail. Users can check the breakdown of currently backed-up data in the Google Backup menu. Google’s support page also provides instructions on how to view details of stored data.
For example, if game app save data is unnecessary, it can be individually excluded from backup. This flexibility is an important option for users who want to operate within the 5GB free tier.
Existence of Alternatives
For users facing serious storage shortages, several options are available. As a conventional method, purchasing additional Google One storage is available. The most basic option is the 100GB plan starting at 250 yen per month.
In engineering communities, “self-hosting” methods involving setting up a home server to manage data are also gaining attention. Using solutions like Nextcloud or Synology allows data management without being tied to cloud service pricing structures. However, it involves operational costs and security management efforts, making it unsuitable for everyone.
Verification Tasks Required of Users
The Android Police article urges users to check their own backup usage. The verification procedure is as follows:
First, go to the device’s Settings app, then “Google” → “Backup.” Here, the current size of backup data will be displayed. Based on this figure, users can determine whether they can operate within the 5GB free storage limit.
Additionally, users with multiple devices should note that backups from each device are added to the total capacity. In families with multiple devices, all backup data is aggregated under one account, which may lead to unexpected capacity consumption.
Editorial Opinion
In the short term, the number of users facing storage shortages due to this change is expected to be limited. With an average additional consumption of 40MB, it is unlikely to exceed the 5GB free tier in most cases. However, for users who own multiple devices or who have already used up their Google Drive storage with photos and documents, the counting of backup data could be the “final straw.” This can be seen as part of a gradual storage reduction strategy to encourage Google One subscriptions. In the long term, Google’s cloud storage policy appears to be moving toward further tightening. The free tier has dropped from 15GB to 5GB, and backups have been incorporated into the paid tier. If this trend continues, it may prompt users to voluntarily consider self-hosting or migrating to other cloud services. For Google, the challenge lies in balancing the expansion of storage-charge revenue with the risk of ecosystem churn. The editorial team views this change not merely as a revision of storage policy but as an indicator of the maturation of the cloud storage business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- From when will Android backups be counted against storage?
- It takes effect from July 7, 2026. On the same day, the free storage limit was also reduced from 15GB to 5GB, so both changes were implemented simultaneously.
- How can I prevent exceeding storage capacity?
- Go to Settings > Google > Backup to check the size of backup data. You can individually stop backups of unnecessary apps, purchase additional Google One storage, or consider self-hosting as an alternative.
- Where can I check the breakdown of backed-up data?
- Google's support page provides details of backup data currently stored in your account. You can also view the size by data type from the backup settings menu.
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