Google is making a policy change to Android backups that adjusts what counts toward your Google Account storage.
Update 7/18: Google is emailing Android users about this change: “New Android Backup Storage Policy & Controls.” For existing users, this change takes effect in 45 days.
The “current storage status” section of the email notes “your estimated increase in Android backup,” as well as how much space you’re currently using.
In terms of the expanded settings, Google is widely rolling out new on/off toggles and per-app backup controls.
Original 7/6: Previously, Android backups would only count images and videos uploaded to Google Photos and “MMS data” (photos + videos) toward your Google Account storage of 15 GB (free) or more with Google One (paid).
