Backups are the first thing I set up on any Android phone. Google Photos sync, system backups, and WhatsApp backups are the big three for me and for any family member, and they have saved us many a headache.
However, Android backups have never been perfect, no matter how many boxes I have tried to tick to ensure that everything gets saved. Each time I restored, I realized I was missing something and had to manually transfer it or set it up again.
Android finally fills the gap in automatic document backups
One such caveat was the lack of automatic file or document backups: anything I locally saved on my phone remained there unless I manually sent it to the new one. That has changed now because Google finally added a built-in document backup feature to Android.
The option to back up documents started rolling out a couple of weeks ago with Google Play Services v26.25. Not all my phones have it, though, despite running a newer v26.28, so it is likely a server-side change.
Sponsored Protocol
To check if it is available on your device, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google backup and look for the Documents option. It should be in the middle, between Photos and videos and Other device data.
Manual activation required once, then it runs automatically
The feature was turned off on my phones. I had to tap to open its settings page and toggle on Back up documents. Google then warned me that these backups count against my Google Drive storage, which is getting close to full.
You can wait until an automatic backup happens to get those files saved or go back and hit the Back up now button to force it for the first time. After that, it should happen by itself, in the background, without you thinking about it.
As for the backed-up documents, you can find them on the settings page under View documents in Drive or just manually go to your Google Drive and look for the Android backups folder. Every phone or tablet you own will have its own subfolder there, making organization easy.
Sponsored Protocol
A simple set-and-forget system, but lacking granular controls
Just like all backup settings on Android, this is a set-it-and-forget-it feature. You make sure it is enabled and let it do its thing. It is really nice to see backed-up documents so readily available in Drive, without having to dig for them. The automatic organization by device helps, too, especially if you have a phone, a tablet, and more. Google also creates sub-folders to indicate where your file was originally located on your phone, which is neat. Mine were all in the Download folder.
I noticed that .PDF, .ZIP, .APK, and .JSON files were backed up, but Google says it should also handle .DOC, .PPT, .XLS, and potentially more document types. Images in my download folder did not get backed up when I tested it.
There are not many granular options here, but the simple on/off setting is enough to make it work for me. I manually back up and organize my most important documents anyway, so this is now my catch-all for those files I forget, which is rare.
Sponsored Protocol
A practical help for APK transfers and forgotten files
I appreciate that it can also help me install APKs that are not available on the Play Store on a new phone. Previously, I had to manually transfer those between phones; now I just know the file will be accessible on my Google Drive. This new feature fits well into the broader trend of automation, as discussed in a recent article about OpenAI highlighting how automation is reshaping our interaction with technology.
However, be aware that Google warns there is no proper sync — it is just a one-way backup. When I made changes to my local docs or deleted them, the changes did not reflect in Google Drive. Only new files got sent. There is no sync back to your phone, either.
Perhaps the most annoying part is that you do not have control over what gets backed up. It is all or nothing. I would have liked an option to select by file type or by folder. Maybe these granular settings will come later.
Sponsored Protocol
Drive storage is the real constraint to watch
With Google informing everyone that backups now count toward Drive storage and limiting new users to 5GB of storage, the ability to decide what exactly gets to eat your Drive storage is sorely needed. I recommend you dig into your phone's settings and enable document backups now so you do not lose anything after a theft or an accident. You do not want to be scrambling for a way to recover lost files, especially when there is such an easy way to back up now.
The only caveat is storage space. Make sure you have enough and go in and delete unnecessary backups of larger files that you do not need on your Drive. For more tips on managing storage, check the official Google Drive help page.
Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/android-new-file-backup-trick
