Google’s Updated Storage Policies for Android Users
As of July 7, all data included in your Android backups now counts toward your Google storage cap, regardless of whether you have 15GB for free or pay for more via Google One. This change affects users who rely on Google Drive for cloud storage, including those who have been taking advantage of the free 15GB limit since 2013.
According to Android Police, Android backups include a wide range of data, such as:
- App data
- Call history
- Contacts
- Device settings
- SMS and MMS data
- Other things
This is in addition to images and videos uploaded to Google Photos and MMS, which previously counted toward your Google storage quota. With the updated storage policies, it’s essential for Android users to understand what’s included in their backups and how to manage their storage space effectively.
Managing Android Backups to Clear Up Storage Space
Google is now giving users more granular control over what’s backed up and what isn’t. This means that users can exclude SMS/MMS messages, call history, device settings, and/or app data from backups. To do this, follow these steps:
- On your Pixel, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google backup > Other device data.
- Toggle off anything you don’t want or need backed up.
- Alternatively, you can search ‘backup’ in your device settings to find the relevant options.
By taking control of your Android backups, you can prevent redundant or unnecessary data from pushing you over your Google storage limit.
Other Considerations for Google Storage Limits
In February, Google announced that it would start copying and uploading local files from your Android Downloads folder to Google Drive. This feature is now rolling out, and it covers file types like .DOC, .PPT, .XLS, and .PDF. If you don’t want this to eat up space, you can change your preferences in your device settings.
Additionally, if you’re close to running out of storage, Google has a support page for cleaning up space and troubleshooting storage issues. It’s also worth noting that Google’s own support page states that each Google account includes ‘up to 15 GB of storage’, which is essential to understand when managing your storage space.
Conclusion
With the updated storage policies and new features, it’s crucial for Android users to take control of their Google storage space. By understanding what’s included in their backups and managing their storage effectively, users can avoid running out of space and stay organized. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, it’s essential to stay on top of your storage space to ensure a smooth and efficient experience on your Android device.
