Google is working on new features to make the backup system on Android devices more flexible. According to information in the 26.32.31 beta version of Google Play Services, additional options for backing up different folders to the cloud are being tested. This new feature is expected to be available first on Pixel phones.

Backup options on Android are expanding

Currently, only photos, videos, settings, and some user data can be backed up via Google Drive. Folders like “Downloads” or encrypted data from apps are not included. With the new feature, users have the option to back up folders containing downloaded files specifically.

The term “documents” in the code confirms that work is underway to back up specific file types. This means that only certain file extensions can be selected, providing a more optimized cloud storage solution. However, it is not yet clear whether all folders or only specific files will be backed up.

Google is expected to test this new feature first on the Pixel series and then roll it out to the entire Android ecosystem. There’s no official announcement regarding when the feature will be released or which Android version it will be integrated with. It seems likely that Google will gradually roll out this feature through Play Services updates in the coming period.

Distributing this feature through Google Play Services allows it to reach a much broader user base without requiring a new Android version. This demonstrates Google’s commitment to making the backup process more comprehensive and reliable.