Android to let users choose which apps get backed up to the cloud

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

TL;DR

Google is testing per-app backup controls in Android beta.

Users will be able to choose exactly which apps get backed up, offering more control over cloud storage and privacy.

The feature was first uncovered by Android Authority in late 2025 and is now beginning a limited beta rollout.

Google seems to be moving another step closer to giving Android users more control over their data. An Android backup feature that Android Authority first spotted months ago is now showing up for some beta users, hinting that per-app backup controls might be on the way soon.

Until now, Android’s backup system has primarily been an all-or-nothing experience. When backups were enabled, Google would automatically back up app data from supported apps to your Google account, with little choice over what data is saved to the cloud and what is not. The approach has been easy to use to restore a phone after an upgrade or factory reset but hasn’t been ideal for those who want more granular control over their backups.