Google Rolls Out Auto-Archive Feature on Android for Space Saving

Google has recently launched a new feature on Android that enables the automatic removal of unused applications from a device without deleting user data. This innovative auto-archive feature is comparable to Apple’s Offload Unused Apps feature on iOS and can release nearly 60% of an application’s storage space without requiring users to delete any of their apps.

The best part is that this feature is entirely automatic, eliminating the need to clean up storage space manually when it runs low. Nonetheless, before removing anything, the feature will request user permission.

Google has clarified that this new app archiving feature is exclusively available for apps that are published in the App Bundle format. When a user tries to download an app from the Play Store on a device with low storage, they will be prompted to opt-in to the auto-archive feature. After accepting the terms, the device will have the ability to archive unused apps, thereby freeing up storage space.

Even after being archived, the apps will remain visible in the app drawer and on the home screen, but they will be overlaid with a grey cloud icon. If you want to use an archived app, you can simply tap on its icon, and the app files will be re-downloaded, enabling you to use it just like before.

You can modify your app archiving preferences through Settings at any time. Google has not disclosed which Android versions the feature will be compatible with, but it is presumed that it will not be compatible with older releases.