Mobile device users often wonder what the cloud on Android is called, and this is quite natural, given the diversity of ecosystems. In its basic understanding, this term most often refers to services for remote data storage that are integrated into the operating system. However, the answer is not as clear as it might seem at first glance, since different smartphone manufacturers use their own solutions or adapt standard ones.
The fundamental element for most devices is Google Drive, which serves as the main storage for documents, backups and multimedia. At the same time, owners of gadgets from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei may be faced with pre-installed alternatives, such as Samsung Cloud or Mi Cloud. Understanding the differences between these services is critical to properly setting up backup and keeping your photos and contacts safe.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what cloud storage services are available on the Android platform, what they are called depending on the brand of your device, and why you need them at all. You will learn how to activate synchronization, what free space limits exist, and how to transfer data between different services without losing information.
Google's main cloud storage
The central element of the Android ecosystem is a service from Google, which is officially called Google Drive (Google Drive). This is a universal solution, pre-installed on the vast majority of certified smartphones running this operating system. It is this service that is responsible for saving backup copies of system settings, application lists and call history.
In addition to simple file storage, Google Drive is closely integrated with other products of the corporation. For example, photos are automatically uploaded to the service Google Photos, which uses the same cloud space, but has a separate interface for viewing the gallery. Documents created in editors Google Docs or Google Sheetsare also saved here by default, providing access to them from any device.
The free plan provides the user with 15 gigabytes space that is shared between Gmail, Drive, and Photos. This capacity may not be enough for heavy users who shoot high-resolution videos. In such cases, the system will offer to sign up for a subscription Google One, which expands the limits to 100 GB, 200 GB or even 2 TB, depending on the selected tariff.
When you purchase a Google One subscription, you get not only space in the cloud, but also access to expert support and the ability to share storage with family members.
To manage settings download, you need to go to menu Settings → Google → Backup. Here you can configure in detail which data will be sent to the cloud and which will remain only on the device. Regularly checking this section ensures that your important files will not be lost if your smartphone breaks down.
Branded clouds from smartphone manufacturers
Many vendors strive to create their own ecosystem, tying users to their services. Therefore, to the question “what is the name of the cloud on Android”, owners of specific brands will receive different answers. For example, Samsung devices use a platform Samsung Cloudthat is deeply integrated into the One UI shell.
Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, OPPO and Realme are also developing their own solutions. In Xiaomi smartphones this is a service Mi Cloud, and in OPPO devices - HeyTap Cloud. These systems often offer more flexible conditions for storing contacts, notes and voice recordings than standard solutions from Google.
- 📱 Samsung Cloud: Ideal for Galaxy owners, synchronizes home screen settings and calls.
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Allows you to find the device on a map and remotely block it if it is stolen.
- 🔒 Huawei Cloud: Offers advanced features encryption for users of devices without Google services.
Using a branded cloud has its advantages, especially if you plan to buy a device from the same brand in the future. In this case, data transfer occurs almost instantly and automatically when you log into your account. However, it is worth remembering that when changing a brand to another (for example, switching from Samsung to Pixel), migrating data from a proprietary cloud may require additional effort.
Alternative data storage services
In addition to built-in solutions, the market offers many third-party applications that can fully replace the standard cloud on Android. Services from large IT corporations, such as Yandex.Disk, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox, are popular. These platforms often provide convenient collaboration tools and have cross-platform clients.
Alternative solutions are especially relevant for users who lack the free 15 GB from Google. Some services, for example TeraBox, offer huge amounts of memory for free, although with restrictions on loading speed or the presence of advertising. Others, like pCloud, rely on a lifetime subscription with no monthly payments.
Installing a third-party client allows you to flexibly manage which folders to sync. You can set up automatic uploading of only photos to Yandex.Disk, and keep documents in Google Drive. This strategy helps distribute the load and protect data from the risks of blocking one account.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party cloud applications, carefully check the requested permissions. Some services may require access to all files on the device, which creates potential risks of leaking confidential information.
Setting up automatic synchronization
For cloud storage to work effectively, you must correctly configure the synchronization settings. By default, many smartphones download data only when connected to a Wi-Fi network, so as not to waste mobile data. You can change this behavior in the settings of a specific application.
Let's consider the setup process using the example of the standard Google Photos application, which is often confused with the storage itself. You need to open the application, click on the profile avatar and select Photo settings → Backup and synchronization. Here you can enable downloading over a mobile network if you have an unlimited tariff.
- 🔋 Battery saving: Disable synchronization in power saving mode so that the phone does not discharge in the background.
- 📶 Network type: Select "Wi-Fi only" to save traffic or "Mobile network and Wi-Fi" for speed.
- 🗑️ Free up space: Use the function to delete copied files from the device after uploading to the cloud.
It is important to regularly check the synchronization status, as errors may occur due to lack of space or problems with the Internet connection. The system usually notifies you of this with an icon in the status bar, but it is better to periodically go into the application and make sure that all files are up to date.
☑️ Check synchronization settings
Comparison of popular cloud storages
The choice of the appropriate service depends on your needs in terms of memory capacity, price and set of additional functions. Below is a comparative table of the main characteristics of popular clouds available on Android.
| Service | Free volume | Maximum volume | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Disk | 15 GB | 30 TB | Integration with Gmail and Documents |
| Yandex.Disk | 10 GB | 3 TB | Unlimited for photos from your phone |
| OneDrive | 5 GB | 6 TB | Built into Microsoft Office package |
| Samsung Cloud | 5-15 GB* | 4 TB | Synchronization of Samsung settings |
| Mega | 20 GB | 16 TB | High level of encryption |
As can be seen from the table, the leader in free space is often Megahowever, the speed of its servers may vary. Google Drive benefits due to seamless integration with the operating system, making it most convenient for everyday use by most users.
The optimal solution is often a combination of services: Google Drive for system backups and a specialized service (for example, Yandex.Disk) for storing your media library.
Data security and access restoration
Storing data in the cloud implies certain risks associated with account security. It is extremely important to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Google account or the account of the device manufacturer. This will protect your files even if your password is leaked.
If you lose your device or reset it to factory settings, data recovery occurs automatically the first time you log in. You will need to enter your account login and password, after which the smartphone will begin downloading contacts, applications and settings from the cloud. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data.
Keep in mind that some data, such as Wi-Fi passwords or alarm settings, may not be restored unless you have explicitly chosen to back them up. Always check the list of what exactly is saved in the cloud to avoid unpleasant surprises.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and terms of tariff plans may be changed by developers. Always check the latest information about storage volumes and prices in the official service application or on the support website.
What happens to the data when you delete your account?
If you completely delete your Google account or manufacturer account, all data stored in the cloud associated with it will be irretrievably lost. It will be impossible to restore them after the expiration of the storage period in the trash (usually 30 days).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use several clouds on one phone at once?
Yes, you can install and configure synchronization for any number of cloud services at the same time. They will not conflict with each other unless you try to sync the same folder in different applications at the same time.
What to do if you run out of space in Google Drive?
You will need to either delete some files or free up space in Gmail and Google Photos, since the limit is common. An alternative is to purchase a Google One subscription or transfer archived data to another service.
What is the name of the cloud on an Honor phone without Google services?
New Honor devices use their own solution Honor Cloud, and partner services are also available, such as Yandex.Disk or cloud solutions from application developers installed through AppGallery.
Is it safe to store scans of documents in the cloud?
Storing documents in reliable clouds (Google, Yandex, Dropbox) is quite safe thanks to encryption. For increased protection, it is recommended to place such files in password-protected archives before downloading or use the "Secure Folder" function if your cloud has one.
Can I access the cloud from a computer?
Of course. All of the services listed have web versions, accessible through any browser on a PC. Just enter your account information to get full access to files downloaded from your smartphone.