Now, Google Play will archive your least-used apps automatically

For a time being now, smartphone manufacturers have eliminated the option of a microSD card slot from the majority of devices. Although eh smartphones are offered with large storage options but at a hefty price. This could be a problem for some users who are into downloading media or playing heavy games. In 1022, the tech giant Google introduced the concept of app archiving. It was a useful strategy for users to manage their phone’s storage. As of now, the company announced that it is going to modify the program to work automatically.

The new auto-archive feature on Android will allegedly reduce an app’s size by 60%. It won’t be completely removed from the device. User’s data as well as settings will remain unharmed. Moreover, the app’s icon will be visible in the smartphone’s launcher. However, the majority of the app’s code and resources will be deleted by Google in order to generate space. Users can then download them from the Play Store when required. Archived apps will feature a small “cloud” icon, indicating that users are required to re-download the data on the app.

One thing to notice here is that the auto-archive feature is not supported on all apps. The apps based on the App Bundle format are eligible for this feature. The App Bundle format ensures that while installing an app on your phone, only the necessary resources are downloaded.

If you want to join the auto-archive program, then simply install a new app when your device’s storage is at maximum. Once the installation begins, you will receive a prompt in a pop-up window that asks you to enable the auto-archive feature. If you click yes, then previously unused apps will undergo the archival process. In this way, you will end up with some storage space required for the new one.