One quick way to automatically save space on your phone

How many apps on your phone do you regularly use? Many users accumulate unused apps, wasting valuable storage space and hindering access to frequently used tools. Fortunately, both Apple and Google offer features to address this. This article explains how these systems manage unused apps, their benefits, and how to disable them if needed.

iOS: Offloading Unused Apps

Introduced with iOS 11, "Offload Unused Apps" provides a middle ground between uninstalling and keeping an app. The app's core files are removed, freeing up space, but data (settings, created files) remains. The app icon persists on your home screen (with a small arrow), allowing for easy reinstallation.

This feature is disabled by default. Enable it via Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Offload Unused Apps. Once enabled, it automatically offloads infrequently used apps. Reversing this is done through the same settings menu.

[Related: Customizing your iOS lock screen]

While iOS indicates potential storage savings, it lacks specifics on the inactivity threshold triggering offloading. Experiment to see if it suits your needs; remember, offloaded apps are easily restored.

Manual offloading is also possible. In Settings > iPhone Storage, select an app, then choose Offload App. This option also allows for complete app deletion or reinstallation.

Android: Auto Archive

Android's Auto Archive similarly reclaims storage space (up to 60%, according to Google) without removing the app or its associated data. Archived apps remain accessible, but much of their data is temporarily removed until needed.

Auto Archive is not enabled by default. Android prompts activation if insufficient storage is available during app installation. You can also enable it via the Play Store app: Google account avatar > Settings > General > Automatically archive apps. Note that archiving only occurs when storage is low.

[Related: Unlocking hidden Android features]

Google doesn't specify the archiving order, but infrequently used apps are prioritized. Unlike iOS, manual individual app archiving isn't supported, but you can clear an app's data (messages, emails, synced playlists, etc.) via Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage and cache > Clear storage.

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