Google has introduced a useful new feature for Android users. Previously, Google Drive didn't automatically back up files in the Downloads folder. However, with this new feature, important files in the Downloads folder will be automatically backed up to Google Drive. Until now, only photos and videos were backed up to Google Photos, while call history, SMS, and some app data were saved to Google Drive. However, files in the Downloads folder were not backed up. This often resulted in tickets, PDFs, and important documents being lost or permanently lost when the phone was damaged. Now, Google has resolved this issue. This new feature is being rolled out gradually to all users through a Google Play system update for Android.

How the New Downloads Backup Feature Works
This new feature will only work on files saved in the Downloads folder. This means that the phone's entire internal storage will not be backed up. Instead, only files in the Downloads folder will be saved to Google Drive. The Android system will save a copy of these files to Google Drive so that users can easily access them when needed. However, it's important to note that this feature isn't live sync. This means that if you make changes to a file backed up on your phone, those changes won't automatically update in Drive. Similarly, changes made in Drive won't be reflected in the original file on your phone.

How to enable Downloads folder backup?
This feature will arrive via a Google Play system update, so you won't need to update your entire Android. Once it's available on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Check for a Google Play system update
Settings > Security & Privacy
Systems & Updates > Google Play System Update

2. Go to Backup Settings
Settings > Google > Backup
You'll see a new option related to files or downloads here.
Turn on Downloads Backup

3. The option may also be available in the Files by Google app.
If you see a prompt in the app, follow it to enable backup.
After the first activation, Android will periodically back up new or changed files.

When will this update be available?
This feature is being rolled out through a Play system update. Like other Google updates, it will be released in stages. This means not all users will receive it at once. No exact date has been announced because it's a server-side rollout. It will be activated on your Android phone as soon as Google gives the green light.

How to restore files?
Restoring files is quite simple. After signing in to your new phone, open the Google Drive app and locate your "Downloads" backup. From there, you can manually download the files you need or restore them to your phone using "Files by Google."

Take Care of Google Drive Storage
Google provides every user with 15GB of free storage. This storage will also store backups of downloaded files. If you have a large number of files, the storage may become full, so it's a good idea to delete unnecessary files periodically.

Why is this feature important?
More than 70% of smartphones worldwide run on Android. The "Downloads" folder is often home to our most important documents, such as tax forms, school documents, and travel tickets. This feature will keep your valuable documents safe in the event of a stolen or damaged phone.

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