The 2026 Google Play System update introduces a new local file backup system that automatically uploads files from your Downloads folder to Google Drive.

According to new Google Play Services release notes, Android phones will be getting a “new local file backup feature” with Google Drive.

Android local backup means your Downloads folder will back up to Google Drive – iCloud already syncs downloads to the cloud.

Android’s February update finally backs up your Downloads folder to Google Drive, closing a long-ignored gap.

A more complete backup is finally here ...

A new option spotted in Google Play Services beta suggests Android phone backups will soon include downloaded files, such as PDFs or APKs, alongside photos, apps, and contacts. While the feature isn’t ...

Google is finally going to allow you to download a local file backup of your Android device, and the feature is now starting ...

Android offers convenient built-in backup tools, but these don’t automatically save every file on your phone. Google appears to be working on a new option to explicitly back up downloaded files. At ...

Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend news coverage for the site. He has covered tech for over a decade with multiple publications, including the likes of Times Internet, ...

Your Android device will soon automatically back up and restore Theft Protection settings. Android’s Theft Protection settings include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Remote Lock, and more.