Google releases automatic archiving feature for rarely used apps

Google is adding a feature to Android that can automatically archive rarely used Android apps. This can temporarily free up storage space. Users can restore the archived apps by pressing an app icon.

Source: Google

Google has started releasing the auto archive feature, which automatically archives rarely used apps to take up less storage space. This amounts to a saving of ‘almost 60 percent’ reports a product manager from Google Play.

Apps that are compatible remain on the device and are easily restored to the latest compatible version, while also retaining user data. The archive feature only works on apps published with it Android App Bundle format. The app icon remains available on users’ phones after archiving. After archiving, a cloud can be seen on that icon. When users press the icon, the app will be fully restored again.

Users must manually enable the feature. When a user tries to install a new app but the device runs out of storage space, a pop-up window appears asking if the user wants to archive apps.

Google already announced the arrival of an archiving function for Android apps last year. There were also images previously shown of the operation of the new function, which appears to be part of Play Services.