Google is currently making significant improvements to data backup on Android devices. After a major update earlier this year, the tech giant is rolling out a new feature that will enhance backup management for all Android users.
According to 9to5Google, this new functionality allows users to control backups on a per-app basis, offering much greater flexibility. Previously, users could only activate backups for all apps globally, which often led to redundant data storage.
Benefits of Per-App Backup Control
By enabling this feature, your device will securely store data in cloud storage. However, it’s important to note that there is limited space available unless you subscribe to Google One, which provides at least 15 GB of storage if your phone number is registered.
The ability to back up individual apps allows users to optimize their storage effectively. Without this feature, free cloud storage would quickly become full, forcing users to either delete data or subscribe to a paid plan.
Important: If you enable the cloud backup for a specific app and later decide to disable it, all the previously backed-up data will be irretrievably deleted.
How to Manage Your Backups
To find the new backup options, navigate to your Android device’s settings and select Google Services > Backup > Backup Details. Here, you will see a list of recommended apps that can be backed up, arranged in descending order by storage usage. You can access an expanded view to see and manage additional apps.
Moreover, you can configure whether backups should occur only over Wi-Fi or also via mobile data, but keep in mind that data consumption may be high when backing up over cellular networks.
Who Will Receive the New Feature?
Google is gradually rolling out the new backup function to users operating on Android 16 or Android 17. Primarily, this update will benefit Google Pixel smartphones, with other manufacturers set to follow in the coming weeks.
This update is part of the Google Play Services version 26.24. Most users will receive it automatically. You can check your currently installed version by going to Settings > Apps > All Apps > Google Play Services.
The introduction of per-app backup options marks a significant step in improving data management for Android users. It not only enhances user control but also ensures that critical data is preserved without consuming unnecessary storage space, making it one of the most anticipated features in recent Android updates.
