How to Archive Apps on Android Instead of Uninstalling

How to Archive Apps on Android (Don’t Just Uninstall Them)

Running out of storage? Instead of deleting apps, Android now lets you archive them. This frees up space without wiping your login, settings, or data. When you need the app again, it restores instantly.

What Happens When You Archive an App

• Removes the app’s cache and resources.
• Keeps your account info and preferences.
• The icon stays visible (often with a cloud badge).
• Tap the icon later → app reinstalls with your saved data.

Archiving can shrink an app’s footprint by up to 60%.

Why Archiving Beats Uninstalling

• Stay logged in — no setup needed after restore.
• Free space without losing progress or preferences.
• Perfect for rarely used apps (seasonal, travel, backup).
• Unlike uninstalling, it doesn’t wipe your saved data.

How to Archive an App (Android 15+)

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Go to Apps (or search “Apps”).
3. Select the app you want to archive.
4. Tap Archive (if available).
5. To restore later, tap the app icon or return to the app settings page.

Enable Automatic Archiving via Google Play

Want Android to handle this for you?

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap your profile icon → Settings.
3. Go to General → Automatically archive apps.
4. Toggle it on.

Now, unused apps get archived automatically when storage runs low.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Only apps from the Play Store support archiving.
• The app must still exist on the Play Store to restore.
• Some temporary cache is removed during archiving.
• Developers must support the feature for their apps.

When to Use Archiving

• You need extra storage right away.
• You rarely use some apps but don’t want to lose them.
• You’re testing apps and want to keep data for later.

✅ Bottom Line

Archiving apps is a smarter way to free up space on Android. Instead of deleting and reinstalling, you get the best of both worlds: more storage today, less hassle tomorrow.