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If you need room for a new app but may want to use an existing one again, try Google Play’s automatic app archiving before uninstalling it. Play can remove apps you rarely use while retaining their icon and personal app data. You will need to download an archived app again before using it, and it must still be available on Google Play.
How Google Play’s automatic archiving works
Google Play Help says, “Your device can automatically archive apps that you don’t use often to free up space for new apps.” With the setting enabled, infrequently used apps can have their software removed while personal data remains on the device. Their icons stay visible, so you can identify and reinstall them later.
Archiving is not the same as keeping an app installed, and it is not a separate backup. An archived app cannot run until it is downloaded again. Google does not publish a universal amount of space this feature will recover or guarantee which app it will select; the result depends on the apps involved.
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- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile photo.
- Go to Settings → General → Automatically archive apps.
- Turn on the setting if it is available.
Google says your device may also prompt you to enable automatic archiving when you try to install an app and do not have enough available space. The feature is optional; the setting itself does not require a purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Archive one app manually, if your device supports it
Manual archiving is a separate option from Play Store’s automatic setting. Google Android Help says an archived app loses its software, permissions and temporary files, and stops sending notifications, while its icon and data are retained.
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Tap Apps, then select the app.
- Tap Archive, if that option appears.
Google’s instructions qualify manual archiving by Android version and supported hardware: some steps require Android 15 or later, and device manufacturers can affect which settings are available. A faded app icon indicates that the app is archived. Tap it to download the app again, provided an app store is installed and the app remains available there.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Choose the right way to free up space
| Option | What happens to app data? | Can you use the app immediately? | Availability and reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic archive in Google Play | Google says personal app data is saved; app software is removed. | No. Download the app again first. | Uses the Play Store setting. Restoration depends on the app remaining available on Google Play. |
| Manual archive | App data and icon are retained; software, permissions and temporary files are removed, and notifications stop. | No. Download the app again first. | Menu availability varies; some steps require Android 15 or later and supported hardware. Restoration depends on the app remaining available in an installed app store. |
| Clear an app’s cache | Removes temporary data, rather than all app data. | Usually, but the app may recreate cached files. | Settings and labels vary by phone. This does not archive or uninstall the app. |
| Clear an app’s storage | Permanently deletes all app data. | The app remains installed, but its local data is removed. | Use only if you are prepared to lose that data; Google advises trying to remove data from inside the app first. |
| Uninstall an app | Removes the app; do not assume its data will be retained for restoration. | No. Reinstall it before using it again. | Google Play provides an uninstall option, but this is less suitable when you want to preserve app data for a possible return. |
Storage is where files such as photos and music are kept; memory is where programs run. If your problem is a full storage space, archiving or removing files addresses that problem. It is not the same as freeing memory for running programs.
Free space elsewhere if archiving is not enough
- Remove downloaded content in its original app. For example, use the app that downloaded offline content to delete items you no longer need.
- Delete unneeded downloaded files. Review downloaded files on the device before removing them.
- Copy files to a computer. Google’s guidance describes connecting the phone to a computer over USB, copying files and folders, then deleting the device copies. Check that the copied files are accessible before deleting originals.
- Review app data before clearing it. Clear cache if temporary files are the issue; clearing storage is a much more consequential step because it permanently removes app data.
When an archived app will not reinstall
Check that the relevant app store is installed and that the app is still listed there. Google’s instructions make continued availability a condition of downloading an archived app again. If the app is no longer available, its retained icon and data do not guarantee that you can restore a working app.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
For official guidance, see Google Play Help on freeing up storage on your Android device, Google’s instructions to archive unused apps on Android, and Android Help’s guide to deleting apps on your Android device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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