Android is now capable of backing up a larger portion of your device, though Google is also giving you the option to decline.

      Users have the option to opt out of the backup for messages, call history, and settings, even as Google broadens Drive backup to include documents stored locally.

      Google is simultaneously updating Android backup in two ways. New toggles allow users to prevent various types of phone data from being uploaded, while a new Documents feature facilitates the saving of local files to Google Drive.

      These controls include messages, call history, and device settings, each of which can now be disabled individually rather than being automatically backed up. This adds to the recent introduction of per-app switches that are being rolled out through Google Play services.

      On the other hand, the Documents backup feature expands cloud storage by incorporating more data. This option was initially mentioned in the February release notes for Google Play services, with 9to5Google later identifying functional controls in the recent update. Once activated, compatible files are stored in a device-specific folder on Drive, providing a secondary location for local documents aside from the phone.

      Options for Android users to disable

      The messaging toggle includes SMS, MMS, and RCS, even though the label only references the first two. Call history and device settings are managed through separate controls.

      Previously, those categories were backed up automatically. The updated menu now gives users a clearer choice regarding what data is uploaded without requiring them to turn off Android backup entirely.

      The update has begun rolling out with Google Play services version 26.25, so it may take a while before it appears on all compatible devices.

      How Documents backup operates

      The Documents feature uploads supported local files according to Android's standard daily schedule. Users also have the option to initiate a backup manually if they wish to save the most current version immediately.

      Files will be found in Google Drive within a folder named after the device. Supported formats encompass PDFs and common Office documents, alongside other files stored on the phone.

      This feature does not function like live cloud syncing. Any changes made in Drive will not update the file on the phone, and local alterations will not automatically reflect in the saved version.

      What users should be aware of

      All backup data from Android now counts towards Google Account storage. Google anticipates that the policy change will add approximately 40MB for the average user, although the Documents backup could occupy more space based on locally stored files.

      Files are encrypted during the transfer between the device and Google's systems. Disabling the Documents backup will not erase any files already stored in Drive, so users wishing to remove those copies will still need to delete them manually.