Running out of storage on your Android phone can be inconvenient, especially when you need space for new apps or large files. To help users manage storage effectively, Google has introduced an archive tool for Android devices. This new feature frees up space by archiving unused apps without completely uninstalling them, keeping your data intact. Here’s a detailed guide on what app archiving is, how to enable archive apps on Android Phone, and the steps to archive apps manually.
What is Archiving and Its Benefits?
Archiving is a feature on Android that reduces the storage taken up by infrequently used apps without entirely removing them from the device. The tool can shrink the storage space required by an app by almost 60%, removing the installation files but keeping the app’s data intact.
Archived apps are visually indicated with cloud icons in the app drawer, allowing users to see which apps are not fully installed. This feature ensures that when storage is low, apps can still be archived automatically, and personal data remains accessible if the app is reinstalled.
How to Archive Apps on Android Phone
Archiving unused apps can be done both automatically and manually. The Auto-Archive automatically archives unused apps when storage is low, making it a hassle-free, set-and-forget solution. In contrast, Manual Archive allows you to archive any user-installed app at any time, offering more control for those who prefer to manage storage proactively. Both methods help free up space while keeping app data intact for easy restoration. Check how to Archive apps automatically and manually on Android.
How to Auto-Archive Apps on Android
To enable auto-archiving on your Android device, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Under the General section, find and toggle on Automatically archive apps.
Once this feature is enabled, your device will automatically archive apk when your storage space is nearly full. Archived apps will appear in your app library under an “archived” filter in the Play Store, making it easy to identify them.
How to Manually Archive Apps on Android
If you prefer more control over which apps are archived, you can manually archive Android apps. However, the option is available on devices running on Android 15 and later. Follow these steps to archive apps manually:
- Find the app you want to archive and long-tap app icon.
- Tap on the App Info (i) button in the context menu.
- In the App Info screen, select the Archive option.
Manually Archived apps will retain their icons but will have a cloud icon, indicating they are not fully installed. You can restore them anytime by tapping the icon and downloading the necessary files again.
How to See Which Apps Have Been Archived on Android
If you want to check which apps have been archived on your Android device, follow these steps see archived apps:
- Launch the Play Store app on your device.
- Located at the top right corner, tap your profile picture.
- Select Manage apps & device from the menu.
- Tap the Manage tab to see a list of all apps.
- Scroll through the selection chips at the top until you find the Archived filter. Tap on it to see a list of all the archived apps on your device.
This allows you to quickly view and manage the apps that have been archived, giving you the option to restore or delete them as needed.
Steps to Reinstall Archived Apps on Android
Restoring an archived app is simple and straightforward:
- Find the greyed-out app icon with a cloud overlay in your app drawer
- Simply tap on the archived app icon.
- The app will start reinstalling automatically.
- Once reinstalled, all your previous data and settings will be restored, allowing you to continue where you left off.
Wrapping Up: Archive Unused Android Apps
The auto-archiving feature on Android provides an effective way to manage storage without the hassle of deleting apps and losing data. By enabling auto-archive or using the manual option, users can free up space while retaining their app data, ensuring a seamless experience even when storage is limited. This approach allows for efficient storage management and ensures that your favorite apps and settings are never more than a tap away.
FAQs about Archiving Apps on Android
Q: Does archiving apps delete my data?
A: No, archiving apps do not delete any personal data. It only removes the app’s installation files. Your data remains stored on the device, and it will be available once the app is reinstalled.
Q: Can I archive system apps on my Android phone?
A: No, system apps cannot be archived. The feature only applies to apps that you have installed.
Q: Will I lose my settings if I reinstall an archived app?
A: No, the app settings and personal data are retained when an app is archived, allowing you to pick up where you left off.
Q: Is manual archiving available on all Android devices?
A: Manual archiving is available on Android 15 and later versions. If your device is running an older version of Android, this feature may not be supported.
Q: What happens if I uninstall an archived app?
A: If you uninstall an archived app, both the app’s data and installation files will be removed from your device. Reinstalling it later will not restore your previous data.
