Enhanced Control Over Android Backup: Per-App Settings

Google is enhancing data backup on Android with a new feature that offers users more control over what they back up. This update, reported by Tech Advisor, allows for individual app backup management through Google Play Services version 26.24, as opposed to the previous global settings. This change helps users save on cloud storage costs and avoid the need for Google One subscriptions.

The new feature is first being rolled out to Google Pixel devices for Android 16 and 17 users, with a wider rollout expected soon. This development follows a previous step in February towards improving data backup on Android.

With this upgrade, users can now manage backups more precisely, creating and managing backups for each individual app. Previously, users could only enable app data backups globally, meaning they had to back up all apps or none at all.

Once activated, the device backs up data to cloud storage. Users with a Google One subscription are guaranteed at least 15GB of storage space, provided they have registered their phone number. Selectively backing up only essential apps and data can potentially help users avoid the need for additional storage space.

It is crucial to note that enabling and then disabling cloud backup for a specific app will result in the deletion of all previously backed up data.

To manage backups, users can find the new backup option in their Android device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details. The list of suggested apps that can be backed up is sorted by storage usage, with an advanced view available for all other apps. Users can also choose whether data should be backed up via Wi-Fi only or via mobile data, keeping in mind the potential for high data usage while on the move.

The new backup feature is gradually being rolled out to users on Android 16 or Android 17, starting with Google Pixel smartphones. The update is part of Google Play Services version 26.24, which most users will receive automatically. Users can check their current Google Play Services version by navigating to Settings > Apps > All apps > Google Play Services.

This article was originally published on PC-WELT and has been translated and adapted from German.