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Google Introduces Local Data Backup Options on Android

WireByte Staff · July 10, 2026

Google is rolling out new settings on Android to control data backup, including local Documents backup. Users can now opt out of backing up SMS, MMS, and RCS messages. The change aims to reduce cloud storage usage, with an estimated 40 MB increase in backups per user. Local file backup is also being tested, automatically saving downloaded documents to Google Drive.

Key points

  • Google is introducing local data backup options on Android, allowing users to control what data is backed up to the cloud.
  • Users can now opt out of backing up SMS, MMS, and RCS messages, with new on/off toggles in the Google Backup settings.
  • The change is expected to increase user backups by about 40 MB on average, due to all Android data now counting towards Google Account storage.
  • Google is also testing a new Documents backup option, which automatically saves downloaded documents to Google Drive.
  • The updated settings are rolling out with version 26.25 of Google Play services.

Google's latest update to Android introduces new data backup options, giving users more control over what is stored in the cloud. The change is part of a broader effort to reduce cloud storage usage, with all Android data now counting towards Google Account storage.

The new settings allow users to opt out of backing up SMS, MMS, and RCS messages, which were previously always uploaded to the cloud. This is expected to result in a 40 MB increase in backups per user, on average.

In addition to the new backup settings, Google is also testing a local Documents backup option. This feature automatically saves downloaded documents to Google Drive, making them safe and accessible from any device.

The updated settings are rolling out with version 26.25 of Google Play services, and are part of a larger effort to give users more control over their data.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.