Android Backup Upgrade

Android Users to Get Free Backup Upgrade

Google is currently working on improving data backup on Android, with a new feature that gives users more choice in what they back up. This upgrade allows users to manage and control backups more precisely, enabling them to create and manage backups for each individual app, such as those on their Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 8.

Previously, users could only enable app data backups globally, meaning that they either had to back up every single app – or none. Once activated, the device backs up the data to cloud storage, with limited storage space unless the user has a Google One subscription, which guarantees at least 15GB of storage, provided they have registered their phone number, similar to how Apple provides storage for iPad Air M2 and Apple Watch Series 10 users.

The ability to back up individual apps selectively is a huge advantage, as it allows users to avoid paying for more storage if they only back up their most important apps and data. However, it is essential to note that if a user enables cloud backup for a specific app and then disables it, all data that has already been backed up will be deleted and gone forever.

How to Manage Your Backups

To manage backups, users can find the new backup option in their Android device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details. There, they will see a list of suggested apps that can be backed up, sorted in descending order by storage usage. Users can view all other apps via the advanced view and choose whether data should be backed up via Wi-Fi only or via mobile data as well, which may result in high data use if they are on the move with their OnePlus 11 or Oppo Find X6.

Google is gradually rolling out the new backup feature to all users who are already on Android 16 or Android 17, which includes Google Pixel smartphones, with other manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei set to follow in the coming weeks. The update is part of Google Play Services version 26.24, which most users will receive automatically. Users can check which version is currently installed on their device by going to Settings > Apps > All apps > Google Play Services on their Xiaomi 13 or Motorola Edge 30.