Google has started rolling out its new AutoArchive tool for Android devices, designed to free up storage space without completely uninstalling apps from user devices. First introduced in May last year, Google claims that the AutoArchive feature can automatically reduce the storage space occupied by infrequently used apps by nearly 60 percent without completely removing the app or its associated data from a user’s device.
Archived apps can be marked with a cloud icon superimposed on the app icon. Clicking on archived apps will completely re-download and restore them, provided the app is still available on Google Play. This feature should come in handy for those with Android devices that lack expandable storage space or users who are hesitant to delete apps entirely to free up some space, though not every app will be eligible for AutoArchive. Google notes that the feature is only available in apps published using the Android app package format, and that apps that support archives won’t frequently appear in a device’s uninstall suggestions.
Android users will need to opt-in to use the AutoArchive feature. The option will appear via a popup when trying to install a new app on a device that is out of storage space. Once enabled, the feature will archive all unused apps from the device. The disclaimer on the subscription pop-up reveals that feature preferences can be modified in the settings menu. We’ve reached out to Google to clarify how (or whether) users can opt in to the feature on Android devices where storage is still available and will update this story if we hear back.
Android’s AutoArchive comes several years after Apple launched “Offload Unused Apps” in iOS 11, a feature that “deletes” underused apps on iPhones while preserving their data, allowing users to pick up where they left off after restoring an app.