Google is introducing a long-requested improvement to Android’s backup system by allowing users to decide exactly which apps should be backed up to their Google account. The new feature replaces Android’s previous all-or-nothing approach, offering greater flexibility for users who want more control over their cloud storage and personal data. The update is currently rolling out through Google Play Services on supported Pixel devices running Android 16 and Android 17.
A More Flexible Backup Experience
Until now, Android automatically backed up app data without letting users choose individual apps. While the feature helped restore devices after upgrades or resets, it also meant users had little control over what information was stored in the cloud.
With the latest update, Android introduces per-app backup controls, allowing users to enable or disable cloud backups for specific applications. This makes it easier to exclude apps that contain temporary files, unnecessary data, or information users simply don’t want synced online.
Where to Find the New Setting
The new controls appear inside Settings > Accounts and Backup > Google Backup. A dedicated “App data” section now displays a list of installed apps, each with its own backup toggle.
Instead of backing up every supported application automatically, users can now customize their backup preferences with just a few taps. The feature provides a much clearer overview of what is being stored in their Google account.
Device Data Backup Remains Unchanged
While app backups are now customizable, other important device information continues to be backed up automatically.
Items such as SMS and MMS messages, call history, and device settings remain part of Android’s standard backup system and are not affected by the new per-app controls. This ensures essential information can still be restored when switching to a new phone or resetting an existing device.
Better Privacy and Storage Management
The update offers several practical advantages beyond convenience.
Users who prefer to keep sensitive applications out of cloud backups can simply disable backup for those apps. Likewise, apps that frequently generate large amounts of temporary data no longer need to consume valuable Google cloud storage if users decide they aren’t worth preserving.
For people with dozens or even hundreds of installed apps, the feature makes Android’s backup system significantly more transparent and customizable.
Rolling Out Through Google Play Services
Google is delivering the feature through Google Play Services version 26.24, meaning many compatible devices can receive it without waiting for a full Android operating system update.
The rollout has already been spotted on Pixel smartphones running Android 16 and Android 17. However, the feature has not yet appeared on all Android devices, including several Samsung Galaxy phones, suggesting availability will expand gradually over the coming weeks.
Why This Update Matters
Cloud backups have become an essential part of the smartphone experience, helping users restore apps and settings after upgrading to a new device or recovering from data loss. By adding app-by-app backup controls, Google gives Android users a level of customization that has been widely requested for years.
The update not only improves privacy but also helps users manage cloud storage more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary app data from backups.
Final Thoughts
Google’s new per-app backup controls may seem like a small change, but they provide a meaningful improvement to the Android experience. Giving users the ability to decide exactly what gets backed up makes the platform more flexible, privacy-friendly, and easier to manage.
As the rollout continues to more Android devices, users can expect a smarter backup system that offers greater transparency without sacrificing the convenience of automatic cloud restoration.
