Following Android’s backup policy change this week, Google is rolling out new settings to control whether SMS, MMS, and RCS messages are backed up. Additionally, Android is beginning to introduce local Documents backup.
When you go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data (on Pixel), there are new on/off toggles for SMS & MMS messages, Call history, and Device settings.
Previously, these three items were always backed up, but Google is now letting you control whether they are uploaded to the cloud. This joins per-app toggles that are also part of a recent launch.
As a note, Google confirmed to 9to5 this week that “SMS & MMS messages” includes RCS despite the name.
We’re seeing these updated settings begin to roll out with version 26.25 of Google Play services.
