Google ends free Android backup storage for users
Google has announced a major change to its cloud storage policy ending a long-standing free benefit for Google account users.
Almost every internet user today relies on a Google account which comes with limited cloud storage. When users approach their storage limit, Google typically recommends upgrading to a paid plan for additional space.
Until now, a user’s Google storage quota included Google Photos media files, Google Drive files and Gmail emails. Under the new policy, however, Android phone backup data will also count toward the account’s storage limit.
Google informed users of the change through email giving them 45 days notice before the new policy takes effect.
Once implemented, Android backup data including system settings, app data, SMS messages and call history will be included in the storage quota of a Google account.
The company said the advance notice is intended to give users enough time to manage their storage or adjust their backup settings before the policy is enforced.
Previously, only certain Android content, such as Google Photos uploads and MMS messages counted toward storage usage. Under the updated policy, complete Android backups are expected to consume a much larger portion of users available cloud storage.
Google warned that if Android backups cause users to exceed their storage limit, they will either need to free up space in their Google account or subscribe to a paid Google storage plan for additional capacity.
A Google spokesperson previously said that the average Android backup is expected to use around 40 MB of storage. The company also noted that users will have greater control over which data and apps are included in their backups.
This marks another change to Google’s account storage policies. Earlier, in May 2026, the company began testing a reduction in free storage for new Google accounts lowering the limit from 15 GB to 5 GB.
