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Google Begins Rolling Out Drive‑Powered Local File Backups for Android Downloads

Backups create static Drive copies of files in the Downloads folder during a server‑side rollout.

Overview

  • Google Play Services version 26.06 release notes confirm a new local file backup feature for Android.
  • Files saved to a device's Downloads folder are uploaded automatically to Google Drive for safekeeping.
  • The capability is distinct from Android’s existing Drive backups for apps, settings, and messages.
  • Availability is expanding via a server-side update to phones and tablets, including Samsung Galaxy devices, over the next few days.
  • Backups are static rather than two-way synced, and Google has not yet detailed user controls or folder handling.