July 1, 2026, 10:04 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Google is reportedly working on a new feature for Android that aims to give users more control over their backups. The focus is on the backup of app data. The new option is intended to make it easier to decide which applications are included in the data backup.
The transition to a new smartphone should be as seamless as possible. Contacts, photos, apps, and personal settings are transferred to the new device. Until now, managing Android backups has been relatively rudimentary.
How the New Backup Selection Works
According to the online magazine “9to5Google,” the new feature will be available on Pixel smartphones in the settings. It can be found under “Google Services,” then “Backup” and “Backup Details.” In the “More Device Data” section, a new section labeled “App Data” will appear.
There, Android initially shows the three apps with the largest data volume. By selecting “Show More,” the full list of all applications can be opened.
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For each app, it will then be possible to individually determine whether its data remains part of the backup. If the switch is turned off, Android will indicate that existing data for this application will be removed from the Google account and will no longer be backed up from this device.
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Not All Backup Areas Are Adjustable
According to current knowledge, the new setting applies exclusively to app data. Other components of the Android backup remain grouped together. These include SMS and MMS, call history, and device settings. There will still be no option to individually remove or selectively retain these areas from cloud backup.
Feature Not Yet Available Everywhere
How far Google has already distributed the new backup control is currently unknown. According to “9to5Google,” the new app selection was visible on tested Pixel smartphones with both Android 16 and Android 17 as well as Google Play services in version 26.24. However, the new view did not appear on checked Samsung smartphones. This suggests that Google is initially distributing the feature in a limited or gradual manner. When it will be available on other Android devices is still open.