Google is reshaping Android backup in two directions at once. New switches let you stop several types of phone data from being uploaded, while a separate Documents feature can save local files to Google Drive.
The controls cover messages, call history, and device settings. Each category can now be turned off individually instead of being backed up automatically, joining the newer per-app switches already appearing through Google Play services.
Documents backup goes the other way by adding more data to the cloud. The feature was first disclosed in the February Google Play services release notes, with 9to5Google later spotting the working controls in the latest rollout. Once enabled, supported files are copied into a device-specific folder in Drive, giving local documents a second home beyond the phone.
What can Android users turn off
The messaging switch covers SMS, MMS, and RCS, even though the label only mentions the first two. Call history and device settings get their own separate controls.
Those categories were previously saved automatically. The new menu gives users a clearer choice over what leaves the device without forcing them to disable Android backup entirely.
The rollout has started through Google Play services version 26.25, so it may take time to appear on every compatible phone.
How Documents backup works
The Documents option uploads supported local files on Android’s usual daily schedule. Users can also start a backup manually when they want the latest copy saved right away.
Files appear in Google Drive inside a folder named after the device. Supported formats include PDFs and common Office documents, along with other documents stored on the phone.
This feature doesn’t work like live cloud syncing. Changes made in Drive won’t update the copy on the phone, and local edits won’t automatically flow back to the saved version.
What should users watch for
All Android backup data now counts against Google Account storage. Google expects the broader policy change to add roughly 40MB for the average user, though Documents backup could take more space depending on the files stored locally.
Files are encrypted while moving between the device and Google’s systems. Turning Documents backup off won’t remove anything already stored in Drive, so users who want those copies gone will still need to delete them manually.
