All Android users just got an important backup feature

Greater control means you won't run out of space as fast

Summary created by Smart Answers AI

In summary:

• Tech Advisor reports that Google is rolling out a new selective backup feature for Android users, starting with Pixel devices and Google Play Services version 26.24.
• Previously users could only enable app data backups globally, but now individual apps can be managed separately to better control limited cloud storage space.
• This update affects Android 16 and Android 17 users first, with other manufacturers expected to follow in coming weeks.

Google is currently working on improving data backup on Android. Following a significant step in this direction back in February, all Android users will now benefit from a new feature relating to the creation of backups.

The upgrade allows you to manage and control backups more precisely, according to 9to5Google. It enables you to create and manage backups for each individual app. Previously, you could only enable app data backups globally, meaning all applications were affected.

Once activated, your device backs up the data to cloud storage. This has limited storage space unless you have a Google One subscription. With a subscription, you’re guaranteed at least 15GB, provided you’ve registered your phone number.

The ability to back up individual apps selectively is therefore a major advantage. Otherwise, the free storage space in the cloud is quickly used up.

Important: If you enable cloud backup for a specific app and then disable it again, all data that has already been backed up will be irretrievably deleted.

How to manage your backups

You’ll find the new backup option in your Android device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details.

There you’ll see a list of suggested apps that can be backed up, sorted in descending order by storage usage. You can view all other apps via the advanced view.

You can also choose whether data should be backed up via Wi-Fi only or via mobile data as well. Please note that this could result in quite high data usage whilst on the move.

Who will get this feature?

Google is gradually rolling out the new backup feature to all users who are already on Android 16 or Android 17 (these devices will get the update). This primarily includes Google Pixel smartphones, with other manufacturers set to follow in the coming weeks.

The update is part of Google Play Services version 26.24. Most users will receive this update automatically. You can check which version is currently installed on your device by going to Settings > Apps > All apps > Google Play Services.