Android 15 DP2 offers built-in app archiving for more storage freedom

Android 15 Developer Preview 2 introduced a host of new features, from audio sharing to support for satellite connectivity and much more. Among that list is built-in App Archiving, and it’s available in preview right now.

Back in February, we reported that there was code in a beta version of Android suggesting Google might add built-in app archiving. Earlier this month we were able to enable this feature and show how it works. Now anyone can start using the App Archive feature if they have Android 15 Developer Preview 2 installed.

As the name suggests, this feature allows users to save space by archiving an application. When an app is archived, it essentially contains the original app icon, along with code that allows it to be fully restored when you tap the icon. Since the code has the same signature as the original app, it can be installed on top of the original without erasing any data. For example, if you archive Instagram, you could restore it and you would still be logged in to the app.

To manually archive an app, you will need to go to the app’s information page as shown above. The Archive option appears just below the app icon. After archiving the application, you will have the option to restore it.

Users have had the ability to archive apps since 2022, however, this feature was not native to the operating system. This was a feature that existed as part of the Google Play Store. Now that the feature is integrated into the operating system, users can now archive apps in Android settings. With this integration, users can also tell Android to automatically archive apps if they don’t use them often.