Transferring applications to cloud storage on smartphones Samsung is one of the most effective ways to free up the internal memory of your device without deleting important apps. Unlike standard backup, which saves only application data (settings, progress in games), a full transfer to the cloud allows you unload the system from rarely used utilities, leaving them available on demand. However, not all applications support this function, and some cloud services impose restrictions on the amount of stored data.

In this article we will look at three main methods of transfer: through built-in tools Samsung Cloud, using Google Drive (for applications with support App Backup), and alternative solutions like OneDrive or third-party launchers. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions One UI (from 4.0 to 6.1), since the interface and available options may differ significantly. You will also learn how to get around common errors - for example, when an application does not appear in the list for transfer or the cloud refuses to sync.

Why not all applications can be transferred to the cloud

Before you begin the migration, it is important to understand the technical limitations. The fact is that Android does not support full transfer of executable files (.apk) to the cloud is a fundamental limitation of the operating system. Instead, you can:

  • 📁 Save application data (settings, cache, game progress) to the cloud, and then restore them after reinstallation.
  • ☁️ Use cloud versions of applications (for example, Microsoft 365 instead of local ones Word/Excel).
  • 🔄 Enable the "Archiving" function in Samsung Cloudwhich deletes rarely used applications, but saves their data.

Applications which cannot be transferred under any circumstances:

  • 🔒 System utilities (Samsung Knox, Secure Folder, Bixby).
  • 🎮 Games with protection against piracy (for example, Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
  • 📱 Applications that require constant access to equipment (camera, sensors).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with One UI 5.0+ the function of archiving applications in Samsung Cloud may be disabled for some regions. Check the availability of the option in the menu Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.

Method 1: Archiving applications via Samsung Cloud

The easiest way for owners Samsung Galaxy is to use the built-in service Samsung CloudIt allows you not only to backup data, but also archive the applications themselves. deleting them from the device, but maintaining the ability to quickly restore. Here's how it works:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Select Archive data and log in with your account Samsung.
  3. Click Archive and select a category Applications.
  4. Tick the apps you want to transfer and confirm the action.

After archiving applications will disappear from the main screen, but their icons will remain in the menu Archive (available via Settings → Accounts and archiving). To restore, just click on the icon of the archived application - it will be downloaded back from the cloud.

Connect to Wi-Fi (archiving consumes traffic)

Battery charge > 50% (the process may take up to 30 minutes)

Make sure there is enough space in the cloud (15 GB is provided for free)

Disable battery optimization for Samsung Cloud (Settings → Device care → Battery)-->

One UI version Archiving support Size limitation
One UI 4.0–4.1 Yes (full) 15 GB free
One UI 5.0–5.1 Yes (with regional restrictions) 15 GB, but archiving of applications can be disabled
One UI 6.0+ Partial (data only, no .apk archiving) 5 GB for applications, the rest for media
⚠️ Attention: If the application is not restored after archiving, check whether it was removed from Google Play or whether its package has changed (for example, after an update). In this case, you will not be able to restore it from the archive.

Method 2: Transferring application data to Google Drive

If Samsung Cloud is unavailable or not suitable, an alternative is backing up to Google Drive. This method saves application data only (not the .apk files themselves), but it works with all devices on Android. Suitable for transferring progress in games, messenger settings and other user data.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
  2. Enable the option Backup to Google Drive.
  3. Click Create a backup now.
  4. After completion, delete the application manually (via Settings → Applications).

To restore data:

  1. Install the application again from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, select the option to restore from a backup.
What data is NOT saved to Google Drive?

The backup does not include:

- Application cache (for example, downloaded maps in Google Maps)

- Data from some banking applications (due to security restrictions)

- System utility settings (for example, camera or on-screen keyboard settings)

- Files saved in the Android/data folder (they need to be transferred manually)

The main disadvantage of the method is not all applications support recovery. For example, WhatsApp reserves chats separately via Google Drive, and Telegram stores media files in its cloud. For games like Clash of Clans or Brawl Stars the backup copy will only work if the game is linked to an account Google Play Games.

Method 3: Alternative cloud solutions (OneDrive, Dropbox)

If you need to transfer not only data, but also the .apkfiles (for example, for rarely used utilities), you can use third-party clouds like OneDrive or DropboxFor this you will need:

  1. Download .apkapplication file using a service like APKMirror or adb pull.
  2. Upload the file to cloud storage.
  3. Delete the application from the device.
  4. If necessary download .apk back and install it.

To automate the process, you can use applications like APK Extractor (extracts .apk from installed apps) or Solid Explorer (can upload files directly to the cloud). However, please note:

  • 🚫 Installation .apk from the cloud may be blocked by security settings (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  • 🔄 Applications installed this way will not update automatically via Google Play.
  • ⚠️ Some applications (for example, banking) check the integrity .apk and may refuse to work.

Google Drive

Samsung Cloud

OneDrive

Dropbox

Other/don’t use-->

Optimizing cloud storage: how to free up space

Even After moving applications to the cloud, you may run out of space. Here's how to optimize the use of cloud storage:

  • 🗑️ Delete old backups. IN Google Drive They are stored in the Backups section and can take up gigabytes.
  • 📊 Use compression. For example, in Samsung Cloud you can enable the option Compress data (available in One UI 5.0+).
  • 🔄 Set up automatic cleaning. OneDrive there is a function Free up spacethat replaces local files with links to the cloud.

For Samsung Cloud it is also useful to know:

  • Photos and videos take up the lion's share of space. Transfer them to Google Photos (free with loss of quality).
  • Archived applications are stored in the cloud only 30 days since the last use. After that, they are deleted.
💡

If you often reinstall the same applications, create an “APK Backup” folder in the cloud and save their .apk files there. This way you will save time on repeated downloads from Google Play.

Common errors and their solutions

When transferring applications to the cloud, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
The application does not appear in the list for archiving It is a system one or does not support backup copy Check in Google Playwhether the application has the option Data management → Backup
Error "Not enough cloud space" Limit exceeded free storage Delete old backups or buy additional space (from Google Drive - from 100 GB for ~139 ₽/month)
The application cannot be restored from the archive The application package has changed or it has been deleted from Google Play Try to find the .apk manually on APKMirror or contact the developer
Synchronization freezes at 99% Weak Internet connection or conflict with battery optimization Disable background activity restriction for Samsung Cloud in the battery settings

If none of the methods worked, try an alternative approach:

  1. Save application data via adb backup (PC and USB debugging required).
  2. Use launchers like Nova Launcherthat support hiding rarely used apps (without deleting them).
  3. Move apps to SD card (if your device supports Adoptable Storage).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ transferring applications to an SD card is often blocked due to changes in security policy. Before purchasing a memory card, check the support of the function on the website Samsung for your model.
Is it possible to transfer Samsung system applications to the cloud?

No, system utilities (for example, Samsung Pay, Bixby, Secure Folder) cannot be archived or transferred. They can only be disabled. via Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system ones, but this will not free up memory - it only hides them from the menu.

How much space does Samsung Cloud give for free?

The free plan includes 15 GB, but on devices with One UI 6.0+ of which only 5 GB can be used for backup copies of applications. The rest of the space is allocated for photos, videos and notes. Additional space costs from 50 GB for ~99 ₽/month (tariffs may vary by region).

Will the archived application work without the Internet?

No. Archived applications in Samsung Cloud are completely removed from the device. They require an Internet connection and recovery from the cloud to run. If you need offline use, consider transferring to an SD card (if supported) or optimizing the internal memory.

How to transfer game data to the cloud if it does not support Google Play Games?

For games without cloud synchronization (for example, many offline projects), you can manually copy the save folder. It is usually located in /Android/data/[game package] or /Android/obb/[game package]. Use a file manager (for example Solid Explorer) to copy these folders to the cloud. When restoring, return them to their place before the first launch of the game.

What to do if, after restoring from the cloud, the application crashes?

This is a typical problem when versions do not match. Try:

  1. Update the application to the latest version in Google Play.
  2. Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → [name] → Storage → Clear cache).
  3. Uninstall and reinstall application, then restore the data from the backup.

If all else fails, contact the developer's support - perhaps the problem is in the application itself.

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Moving applications to the cloud does not replace a full backup. Always check that critical data (contacts, photos, documents) are duplicated in several services (for example, Google Drive + Samsung Cloud).