How to Automatically Archive Apps on Android and Free Up Space

Is your Android phone constantly running out of storage space, preventing you from installing new apps or downloading files? Don't worry, Google has introduced a new feature on the Play Store called Automatically Archive Apps that can help you free up space and continue using your phone without any storage issues. In this article, we will explore how the Automatically Archive Apps feature works, how to enable it, and what happens to your apps once they are archived.

What Is Automatically Archive Apps on Google Play Store

Normally, when you want to save storage space on your Android phone, you would need to manually uninstall apps or delete files. This process can be time-consuming and requires effort on your part. However, with the app archiving feature, you can automatically archive apps that you rarely use without any effort. Archiving an app is different from uninstalling it, as it retains your data, including login information. Once an app is archived, you can reinstall it from the Play Store and continue using it with all your saved data intact. This feature is similar to the Offloading Apps feature available on iPhones.

Enable Automatically Archive Apps on Android

The Automatically Archive Apps feature is disabled by default on the Play Store. To enable it, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Play Store app on your Android phone and tap on your profile picture at the top right corner.
  2. Select the “Settings” option.
  3. On the Play Store settings page, tap on the “General” option to expand it.
  4. Enable the “Automatically archive apps” option.

Once enabled, your less frequently used apps will be automatically archived when your phone is running low on storage space.

Things to Know About Android's Automatic App Archive

Here are a few important things to know about the Automatic App Archive feature on Android:

  1. When an app is archived, it will still be visible on your home screen or app drawer, but with a cloud icon on top.
  2. If your phone has enough storage space, apps may not be archived.
  3. When you try to install a new app and there is no space left, some less frequently used apps will be archived to make space.
  4. You will receive a pop-up from the Play Store to reinstall an archived app when you open it.
  5. Disabling the automatic app archive feature will not reinstall apps. You will need to manually reinstall them.
  6. Certain important apps that have not been used recently may be archived, requiring you to re-download them.
  7. Only Play Store apps can be archived. Sideloaded apps need to be manually uninstalled.
  8. You can view all archived apps by going to Play Store > Profile Picture > Manage apps and devices > Archived tab.

Archive Apps to Save Space on Android

Currently, you can only enable the automatic archive apps option on the Play Store. Manual app archiving and the ability to prevent certain apps from being archived are not available. However, there are other ways to free up storage space on your Android phone. Explore these options to ensure you have enough space for all your apps and files.

By following these steps and enabling the Automatically Archive Apps feature on your Android phone, you can easily free up space and continue using your device without any storage constraints. Say goodbye to storage issues and enjoy the full potential of your Android phone!