​Android users will soon need to free up more space or pay for extra Google storage, as all backed-up data, including SMS messages (the actual text), call history, and device settings, now all count toward your storage limit. Previously, all your smartphone’s text messages, call history, and system settings were backed up, but didn’t count towards your storage.

Now, in a move that, according to a Google spokesperson speaking to 9to5Google, is meant to give you “more transparency and new controls that let you select which data and apps you want to back up”, also conveniently adds about 40MB to your backup that you’re now paying for.

What this means for all your memories and data

​If you, like me, use Google to store all of your information, you might need to invest in a Google One storage plan to accommodate this change. By default, Google gives you 15 GB of free storage, shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. If you need more, there are several Google One cloud storage and AI plans to choose from: 100 GB ($1.99/mo or $19.99/yr), 200 GB ($2.99/mo or $29.99/yr), and 2 TB ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr). This way, you can decide how much space you need without paying for more than you’ll actually use.

​I’ve got 15 years of memories stored with Google, so many happy moments that I’ve been at my limit for months, routinely deleting images, videos, and big files. Now, it looks like I’ll need to upgrade because I’ve also got 15 years of Android data to sync, which used to be covered.

​This new rule will force me to choose the 2TB option if I want to keep backing up my phone in its entirety.

How to opt out of this storage change

You don’t need to back up all this data if you choose not to

If you’re in the same boat and want to avoid upgrading, there are a few things you can try. First, you can trim down your backup by turning off backup for apps, SMS, or call history in the settings, or by deleting unnecessary files and large attachments from your device before backing up. You can also back up your data manually to your computer using Android’s built-in file transfer, or go old-school and back everything up on your own hardware or in your cloud of choice. These can help you stay within your current storage limit.

After an update, the system settings will allow users to decide what data they want to back up. To access this page, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data on Pixel devices. You can also search for “backup” in your Settings app. Changes you make will be saved automatically, so you can trim down your backup to meet your storage needs.​

I can choose not to upload this data, but then if my phone breaks, I risk losing everything. Should regulators push Google to offer a true offline way to back up your phone in full, completely separate from Google’s cloud? Or should I return to the old ways of burning countless CDs to preserve all my memories and keep them safe? It feels more and more like the best option to me.