What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To free up Android storage without losing an app’s personal data, turn on Google Play’s automatic app archiving. Play can remove software for apps you rarely use while keeping each app’s icon and data; when you want one again, you can download it if it is still available on Google Play. It is a useful alternative to uninstalling an app you may need later, but it does not guarantee a particular amount of space or work for every app.
How automatic app 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.” When the setting is on, infrequently used apps may be removed while their personal app data is saved. The app icon remains on the device, making it easier to find and download the app again later.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Archiving is not the same as keeping the app installed, and it is not an independent backup. The app’s software is removed, so you must download it again before using it. Restoration depends on the app still being available on Google Play. Google does not give a universal estimate for how much storage archiving will free; the amount depends on the apps involved and their data.
Turn on automatic archiving in Google Play
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile photo.
- Go to Settings → General.
- Turn on Automatically archive apps.
Google says your device may also prompt you to enable the setting when you try to install an app but do not have enough available space. Automatic archiving targets apps you do not use often; Google does not promise that it will select a specific app.
#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 an app manually, if your device supports it
Google Android Help describes manual archiving through the device’s app settings:
- Open Settings → Apps.
- Choose the app you want to archive.
- Tap Archive, if the option is available.
Google’s instructions qualify some manual-archive steps for Android 15 or later and supported hardware. Device makers can also affect which settings appear, so the option may not be available on every phone. A faded app icon indicates that an app is archived. Tap the icon to download the app again, provided the 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.
Google Android Help explains that archiving removes an app’s software, permissions and temporary files, and stops its notifications while retaining its icon and data. That makes archiving different from simply leaving an app installed: you save the data, but the app cannot run until it is downloaded again.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose the right way to free up space
| Option | What happens to app data | What you need to use the app again | Availability or trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic app archiving | Google says personal app data is saved. | Download the archived app again; it must still be available on Google Play. | Turn on the Google Play setting. Google does not state a guaranteed amount of space saved. |
| Manual app archiving | App data and icon are retained; software, permissions and temporary files are removed, and notifications stop. | Download the archived app again; it must remain available in the installed app store. | Some instructions require Android 15 or later and supported hardware; menus vary by device. |
| Clear an app’s cache | Temporary data is removed. | The app remains installed. | Settings and labels vary by phone. |
| Clear an app’s storage | All app data is permanently removed. | You may need to set up the app again; Google advises trying to delete data from within the app first. | Settings and labels vary by phone. |
| Delete downloads or other files | The files you delete are removed. | Keep a copy elsewhere first if you may need those files. | Delete downloaded content from the app that downloaded it, or remove unneeded files from the device. |
Storage is where the phone keeps files such as photos and music; memory is where programs run. If an app archive does not free enough storage, Google’s alternatives include deleting downloaded content in the app that downloaded it, removing unneeded downloaded files, or copying files and folders to a computer over USB before deleting the device copies.
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.
When archiving is not enough
- You need space immediately: Check for downloaded videos, music or other content inside the apps that stored it, then remove items you no longer need.
- You are considering clearing app data: Prefer the app’s own delete or cleanup controls first. Clearing storage permanently removes all data for that app.
- You want to keep files but remove them from the phone: Copy them to a computer over USB, confirm the copies are accessible, and then delete the device copies.
- You cannot find Archive: Manual archiving depends on Android version, supported hardware and device settings. Use automatic archiving if available, or free space by managing downloads and files.
- You cannot restore an archived app: Check that the relevant app store is installed and that the app remains available in that store.
If you decide you no longer need an app, uninstalling it is still an option. Google’s Android guidance covers deleting apps from a device; archiving is preferable when you want to retain app data and may want the app again.
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.
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.
