Google announces major change to account storage policy

California (Web Desk): Google has introduced a major update to its storage policy, which will affect Android users worldwide. Under the new policy, Android phone backup data will now be counted as part of Google account storage.

The backup data will include phone settings, app data, SMS messages, and call history. Previously, Google storage only included files from Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail.

The company has started informing users through emails and has provided a 45-day notice before the new policy takes effect.

Google said the notice aims to give users enough time to review their storage, delete unnecessary data, or adjust their backup settings.

The company has warned that users who exceed their storage limit will need to free up space or subscribe to a paid storage plan.

Google previously said that Android backups would generally use around 40 MB of storage and users would have more control over which apps and data they choose to back up.