The new “app archive” feature in the Play Store means you can now uninstall your big games or rarely used apps without losing your data.
In March, Google announced plans to introduce the idea of app archiving to the Play Store. It was a system that would allow you to save space on your phone by deleting apps without losing the data they contain.
As of Play Store version 33.4, which started rolling out on November 24, app archiving is now available. And since it’s not part of the Android OS update, it’s even available on the older types of devices that might benefit the most.
How Application Archiving Works
The idea behind the feature is that you have the option to “archive” apps from the Play Store instead of completely uninstalling them. Google says this will reclaim around 60% of the space used by the app while retaining key elements that will make it faster and easier to reinstall, and keeping all of your user data intact.
Archiving apps will be especially useful for gamers who often find themselves juggling multiple multi-gigabyte titles but are reluctant to uninstall them for fear of losing their progress. It will also help those on older devices or those with limited storage, as well as anyone else who has rarely used apps cluttering up their phones but doesn’t want to lose the data stored on them.
Apps must be supported for archiving, and developers can opt out if they prefer not to offer it. To archive your apps, tap your profile icon and select Manage apps and device. Below Manage, select the app or apps you want to archive and tap the three dots icon. You will now see two options—Wipe off Where Archive— with the latter showing you how much space you’ll save.
The App Archive feature is part of the Play Store version 33.4 update which is currently rolling out. Your copy of the app should update automatically, but if you can’t wait, you can check if it’s already available and update it manually.
To do this, open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then go to Settings > Aboutand touch Update Play Store. This will install a new version or tell you that you are already up to date.
Save space on your phone
Archiving apps is a good way to save space on your phone, especially if you’re a gamer. And it will help you clear the clutter if you have a lot of apps that you only use once in a while and don’t want to completely uninstall them.
Most of us are probably in the latter group, and archiving will help you take care of your device’s health, along with other recommended tips, such as removing permissions from apps you rarely use. You can do this through Google’s Play Protect.
