iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On Android 15 and later, you can archive many apps from Settings > Apps > [app] > Archive instead of uninstalling them. Archiving removes the app’s software while keeping its icon and data, so you can download it again later and pick up where you left off. Google Play product managers have described the potential savings as about 60% of an app’s storage, though the amount you recover depends on how much space the app’s local data uses.
Use the manual Archive button when you want to choose which app to shrink. The phone needs an internet connection to restore it, and the app must still be available from the store that installed it. Menu labels and availability can vary by Android version and manufacturer.
What does archiving an Android app remove and keep?
Archiving is a reversible way to remove most of an app’s installed software without deleting its stored user data. Google Play Help describes the change this way: “When an app is archived, your device removes its software, permissions, temporary files, and stops notifications, but retains the app icon and data.”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The icon remains on the home screen or in the app drawer, but appears dimmed and has an archive, cloud, or download overlay. The app cannot run until you restore it. Because its permissions are removed and notifications stop, archiving is not a way to keep an app quietly running in the background.
Popular on Amazon
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Google’s 2022 explanation of the feature says the archived app can be restored to “the latest available compatible version” while preserving user data. That is the intended behavior, not a guarantee that every app will preserve every sign-in credential: some apps may ask you to log in again, depending on how they store credentials. The app may also need to download updated content after it is restored.
How do I manually archive apps on Android?
On Android 15 and later, the direct route is through the app’s App info screen. Google Play Help notes that some steps work only on Android 15 and up and that certain features can depend on supported hardware.
Use Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then select the app you want to archive. If the list is long, use the app list’s search control if your phone provides one.
- On the app’s info page, tap Archive.
- Wait for the operation to finish. The app’s icon should remain, dimmed and marked with an archive-style overlay.
Start from the app icon
- Long-press the app icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
- Tap App info or the information button, often shown as an “i” inside a circle.
- Tap Archive on the App info screen.
On current Samsung Galaxy phones, Beebom Gadgets’ October 29, 2026 guide documents the same general route: Settings > Apps > [app] > Archive. One UI may arrange its screens differently from Pixel-style Android, so follow the labels on your device rather than expecting every phone to look identical. For other heavily customized Android versions, Google advises checking with the manufacturer if a step or control is unavailable.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How can I tell whether the app was archived?
Look for the original icon in the app drawer or on the home screen. An archived app is visibly faded and has an archive, cloud, or download indicator; tapping it begins restoration rather than opening the app. If the icon has disappeared entirely, Google Play Help says the app may have been deleted rather than archived. In that case, look for it in the app store and reinstall it.
How do I restore an archived app?
Tap the faded app icon to download it again. You can also look for a restore control on its App info page in Settings or on the app’s details page in the Play Store.
- Connect to the internet; Wi-Fi is the practical choice for a large download.
- Tap the archived app’s dimmed icon, or open its App info or Play Store details page and choose the restore option shown there.
- Wait while the app downloads and installs. It should then be available to open, with its saved data retained where the app supports that behavior.
- If Android says there is not enough free space, follow its storage-management prompt, free additional space, and try again.
Restoration depends on two conditions in Google Play Help: the original app store must still be installed on the device, and the app must still be available to download from that store. A regional catalog can affect availability. Restoring from Play also downloads the latest compatible version, rather than necessarily reinstalling the exact version that was on the phone before archiving. Until restored, the app does not receive notifications or updates.
Also popular on Amazon
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
TechWiser describes a convenient way to find archived apps in Play Store: open the profile menu, choose Manage apps and devices, open the Manage tab, and select the Archived filter or chip if it appears. Disabling automatic archiving does not restore apps that have already been archived; restore those individually.
How much space does archiving apps save?
The amount depends on the app’s installed software and the user data that remains on the device. Google’s published estimate is a useful general reference, but it is not a promise of a fixed saving for each app. Google Play Help itself does not publish a percentage, and Google has not published a median storage saving across the Play catalog.
- About 60% of app storage reclaimed by archiving — Google Play / Android Developers Blog (Lidia Gaymond and Vicki Amin, Product Managers at Google Play), 2022.
- Nearly 60 percent of an app’s storage space freed by auto-archive, without removing the app presence or users’ data — Google Play / Android Developers Blog (Chang Liu and Lidia Gaymond, Product Managers, Google Play), 2023.
Published app-by-app measurements illustrate why actual results vary. Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman measured Uber at 387MB before archiving and 17.64MB afterward—about a 95.4% decrease—on a Pixel 8 Pro in 2024. MakeUseOf’s Brandon Miniman reported Telegram shrinking from 175MB to 87MB, a 50% reduction, and Facebook from 1.02GB to 308MB, a 70% reduction, in 2026. MakeUseOf’s Pankil Shah reported LinkedIn going from 201MB to 19MB, about 90% freed, on an S26, and X going from 387MB to 144MB, about a 63% reduction, in 2026.
Those are attributed examples, not a catalog-wide average. MakeUseOf’s 2026 round-up characterizes archiving as shrinking “almost any app by 50–75%,” but the examples show that an individual app can fall outside that range. If a game or social app has a large installed package and little local data, archiving may free substantial space. If an app retains a large cache, downloads, or other user data, it will give back less because that data is kept. Google Play product managers’ figures are estimates about app storage, not a guaranteed number of gigabytes recovered on a particular phone.
How is manual archiving different from automatic archiving?
Manual archiving lets you select an app yourself from its App info screen. Automatic archiving is a separate Play Store feature: when storage is low, it can archive eligible apps that you use infrequently.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Turn on automatic archiving in Play Store
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Open Settings, then General.
- Turn on Automatically archive apps.
TechRadar’s September 2026 guide says the setting is off by default. Google’s 2023 announcement says automatic archiving can free up to nearly 60% of an app’s storage without removing its presence or user data. It may act when storage runs low, including when you try to install something on a full device. A Play Store prompt may also offer to turn the feature on after an installation fails.
Also popular on Amazon
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
There is a difference in eligibility between automatic and manual archiving. Google’s 2023 developer note says automatic archiving is available for apps published as Android App Bundles. TechWiser describes Play Store auto-archive as working on Android 10 or later for Play-installed apps in that format. Android 15’s manual OS-level Archive control is more versatile: Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman reported that it can work with ordinary APK-distributed apps as well as App Bundle apps. Availability of the manual button still depends on the Android version and the package.
Keep one app out of automatic archiving
If an app must remain ready to use—such as a banking, work, or travel app—turn off its unused-app management setting. Google Play Help gives this path:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app.
- Turn off Manage app if unused. The wording may appear as Managed app if unused or under an unused-app settings section.
This prevents automatic archiving for that app; Google says you can still archive it manually. Android Central’s Roydon Cerejo noted that this control can be enabled by default on Android 15 even when Play Store automatic archiving is off. Disabling the setting will not automatically restore an app that was already archived.
Recommended Free Tools
Which Android apps can’t be archived?
If the app’s App info page has no Archive button, treat that package as unsupported on your phone. Google does not publish a complete list of apps that cannot be archived, and there is no consumer setting to force the button to appear.
Android Central reports that Google’s default preinstalled apps generally cannot be archived, while an app installed by the user can be eligible even if it is made by Google. MakeUseOf reports that essential system apps and many manufacturer-preinstalled apps often lack the control; examples include Chrome, WebView, and Camera. These are examples, not a definitive blocklist, because behavior can vary by package, device, and software version. Do not disable a system component as a substitute without understanding what depends on it; Beebom specifically warns against disabling Android System WebView.
If the button is absent, consider clearing the app’s cache, uninstalling it if you no longer need it, or freeing space elsewhere. Do not assume that an app is archivable just because a different phone or Android version offers the option.
Also popular on Amazon
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Should I archive, uninstall, clear cache, or add storage?
Choose based on what you want to preserve and whether you will need the app offline. Archiving is useful for an app you may want later but can temporarily do without; uninstalling is cleaner for an app you will not use again.
| Option | Space and data | What happens later | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual archive | Removes most app software while retaining user data; Google’s 2022 estimate is about 60% of app storage reclaimed. | Requires a download and internet access to restore; the latest compatible store version is installed. | You might use the app again and want its data kept. |
| Uninstall | Removes the app and its local app data. Data synced to the app’s account or cloud may be recoverable, but local-only data can be lost. | Reinstall from the store; you may need to sign in or set the app up again. | You do not expect to need the app, or need more space than archiving provides. |
| Clear cache | Removes temporary files only; app settings and login are generally retained. | The app remains installed and can rebuild cache as needed. | You want to remove temporary files without taking the app offline. |
| Automatic archive | Uses the same basic space-saving approach as archiving, but Play chooses eligible infrequently used apps when storage is low. | Restore by downloading the app again when needed. | You want Play Store to manage eligible apps instead of choosing each one. |
| USB-C storage or microSD | Adds storage for compatible files; it does not archive apps or preserve an app’s running state. | External storage remains available while connected; a microSD card requires a phone with a slot. | You need room for photos, videos, downloads, or other files after app cleanup. |
To clear temporary files for one app, open Settings > Apps > [app] > Storage > Clear cache; labels can differ by phone. If an app is no longer useful, uninstalling removes its local app files rather than keeping an icon and data for a quick return. Archive and uninstall both leave the app unavailable until it is downloaded again.
What should I do if archiving does not free enough space?
App archiving is one storage tool, not a substitute for reviewing large photos, videos, downloads, or games. If you still need room, work through the largest local files and app data next.
- Review large files and Downloads. Files or Files by Google can help locate downloads and other large files. Delete only files you recognize and no longer need.
- Remove local photos only after backup. Engadget notes that Google’s standard account allotment is up to 15GB shared across Photos, Drive, and Gmail. Google Photos’ “Free up space on this device” option is intended to remove local copies after backup; confirm the backup is complete before using it.
- Check Samsung’s storage suggestions. Samsung Galaxy owners can look in Device care > Storage for suggested cleanup options; available labels and recommendations vary by One UI version.
- Consider extra storage only if your phone supports it. Some phones have a microSD slot; many flagship and mid-range models do not. A USB-C OTG flash drive can hold compatible files, but it does not archive apps. Engadget listed Google One at $2 a month for 100GB or $3 a month for 200GB in 2026; cloud plan prices and terms can change, so verify them with Google before subscribing.
Google Photos backup and cloud storage are separate from app archiving: archiving keeps app data on the phone, while a cloud backup or subscription may help with photos and other files. If the device is still full after removing large files, check which apps and categories occupy the most space before deleting data you may need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does Android 15 archiving work behind the scenes?
The visible result is straightforward—the app remains listed but cannot run—but the implementation differs between Play Store automatic archiving and Android 15’s manual OS-level archive. The technical distinction helps explain why the manual button can support more app formats.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Google’s 2022 Android Developers Blog describes Play Store’s archived APK approach: for eligible App Bundle apps, Play generates a small archive package containing the app icon and a restore stub, signed with the same key, and places it in place of the full app software so user data remains. Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman reported in October 2024 that Android 15’s OS-level archive can also handle regular APK-distributed apps. For those, Android removes installation files while continuing to treat the package as installed and retaining a filtered or overlaid icon.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
When a user asks to restore an archived package, Android sends an unarchive request to the installer of record, usually Play Store. That is why the store must remain installed and the app must still be available there. The implementation preserves the app’s data, but does not mean the app remains executable, receives notifications, or can be restored without a network connection.
When should I avoid archiving an app?
Do not archive something you need to open where you may not have internet. The archived app cannot run until its software is downloaded again, so an app needed on a flight, in a basement, or during travel without reliable service should stay installed.
Also keep an app installed if you need its notifications or background activity, or if you cannot risk a re-download before using it. For apps that protect access to accounts, consider whether you know the credentials and recovery method before archiving: retained app data does not guarantee that every app will preserve a live session after restoration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow should I decide which apps to archive first?
Start with apps you recognize, rarely use, and can safely be without until you have a connection. A large game or social app may return more space than a lightweight utility, but check its App info storage details and consider whether it holds downloads or other data you want to keep.
- Open Settings > Apps and review candidates one at a time.
- Skip apps you need for offline access, notifications, work, travel, banking, or account recovery.
- Use the Archive button where available; otherwise decide whether clearing cache or uninstalling is more appropriate.
- Check the phone’s available storage after archiving. If space remains tight, inspect photos, video, downloads, and large games rather than repeatedly archiving small apps.
How was the archive-versus-uninstall choice assessed?
The criteria are the trade-offs documented by Google Play Help and Android/Play explanations, along with published app-size measurements: whether the app’s user data remains, whether the app can run offline, how it is restored, and what kinds of apps the feature supports. The reported storage measurements are attributed to their publishers and devices; they are examples, not a new benchmark or a universal prediction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I archive an Android app that I installed from an APK?
Android Authority reported that Android 15’s OS-level archive can support regular APK-distributed apps as well as App Bundle apps. Restoration still depends on the installer of record and the app’s availability there, so an APK installed outside Play may not restore through Play Store.
Can I archive several Android apps at the same time?
Google Play Help’s documented manual method selects an app from its own App info screen. The available information does not establish a standard bulk-archive control, so plan to use the per-app route unless your device presents another supported option.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Does archiving erase a game’s saved progress?
Archiving retains app data on the device, which can include local progress, but cloud-synced and locally stored progress are not the same thing. For an important game, check its own account-sync or save-backup settings before relying on any single copy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
