Google is making major changes to the way it manages backups on Android , giving users more control over their data stored in the cloud. At the same time, the company is gradually rolling out a new feature that allows for automatic backups of local documents, further enhancing the protection of important files.
The changes come in addition to Google’s recent overhaul of its backup policy, which is expected to impact millions of Android devices over the coming months. The company aims to provide greater flexibility, better data organization, and increased security for those who use the Android ecosystem every day.
Greater control over stored data
Until now, Android automatically backed up basic data, such as SMS and MMS, call history, and device settings, without the user having the option to choose.
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This changes with the new version of Google Play Services. Through the device settings and specifically in the Google Backup section , users will now be able to individually enable or disable backup for each of these data categories.
This new feature offers a greater degree of personalization, allowing everyone to decide which personal information they want to be stored in their Google account and which they don't.
RCS messages are included in backups
Although the settings display the indication "SMS and MMS messages", Google clarified that in fact this option also covers RCS messages.
RCS is a modern evolution of traditional SMS, offering features like sending high-resolution photos, typing hints, read receipts, and group chats. As the service is adopted by more and more Android users, the ability to create backups becomes particularly important, especially when transferring to a new device.
The new options have already started to appear gradually through version 26.25 of Google Play Services.
Changes in available storage space
Along with the new settings, Google also made a significant change to the way it calculates available storage space.
All Android device backups now count towards your Google account's total storage limit. According to the company, this change will increase the size of each user's backup by about 40 MB on average. While the increase is considered small for most users, those with a free account with limited storage may need to monitor their available storage.
Automatic backup for documents too
One of the most important new additions is the creation of backups for local documents stored on the device.
The feature was introduced in beta earlier this year and is now rolling out through the beta version of Google Play Services. With it enabled, Android will automatically save important documents to Google Drive, so they are available even if the device is lost or replaced.
A new option called "Documents" will be added to the backup section, next to the existing categories for photos, videos, and other device data.
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What file types are supported?
The new service covers a wide range of files used daily by both individuals and professionals. Supported formats include Word (.DOC), PowerPoint (.PPT), Excel (.XLS), PDF, as well as almost any type of document stored on the device's internal memory.
Once the first backup is complete, a folder with the device's name is automatically created in Google Drive, through which the user can have direct access to saved documents .
Security and limitations of the new feature
Google points out that all files are protected with encryption during their transfer between the device, the company's services and its data centers, ensuring a high level of protection of personal information.
However, there is one major limitation: changes made to a saved document are not automatically synchronized between different locations or copies. In other words, the new service acts as a backup mechanism, not a file synchronization.
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It is also worth noting that even if the user disables the feature, already saved copies are not automatically deleted from Google Drive.
Gradual rollout to Android users
As with most new Google features, the rollout is being made gradually through newer versions of Google Play Services, initially to beta program users and then to the general public.
These changes clearly show that Google is investing more in the management and security of personal data, offering more control options and a more comprehensive backup system. For Android users, this translates into greater flexibility, better protection of their files and an easier transition from one device to another, without the fear of losing important information.
