In a move aimed at improving data safety, Google is preparing to roll out a new Android feature that will back up files stored in the Downloads folder. Similar to how Google Photos syncs images and videos, this upcoming option will use Google Drive to automatically save locally downloaded files, making them accessible across devices.
According to a report by a tech publication, the feature is part of the February Play System update for Android devices. The changelog notes that it will “automatically save your downloaded documents to Google Drive, ensuring they are safe and accessible from any of your devices.” The feature, called “local file backup,” will focus only on files stored in the Downloads folder and will not include the entire internal storage.
Currently, Android offers 2 main backup systems. Google Photos handles images and videos, while Android backs up settings, call history and selective app data. With the new update, Google Drive will expand its role by backing up documents such as PDFs, resumes, tickets, invoices and installer files stored in the Downloads folder. However, reports suggest that not all file types may be included. Based on code strings seen in the update, the feature may prioritise document-style files instead of every file in the folder.
The backed-up files may be stored as static copies. This means changes made to the original file may not automatically reflect in the Google Drive version and edits in Drive may not update the local file. Like most Play System updates, this feature is expected to roll out as a server-side update. Users may need to wait from a few weeks to a couple of months before it becomes widely available.
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