Google Drive has many uses – storing files that you need to be able to access from multiple devices, photo backups, a backup of your Android device, and more. But while Google’s cloud storage service is versatile, there are areas in which it is found wanting.
Taking steps to address some of these failings, Google has just added a new option that makes it possible to backup local files from your phone to Google Drive.
In many ways, this feels like a feature that should have been included from the start, but it has only just been added in an update to the Google Drive app. Released yesterday, the update now includes an option that will help to ensure that the files you download are automatically backed up so you don’t have to remember to do so manually.
The key section of the release notes for this update tells us that:
With the new local file backup feature, you can automatically save your downloaded documents to Google Drive, ensuring they are safe and accessible from any of your devices.
This seems like a feature that will be welcomed by many users, so it feels a little strange that Google has made so little fuss about it. It could be that the company did not want to draw attention to the fact that the feature was previously missing, or it may still have some sort of announcement in the pipeline.
The full changelog for this latest Google Play Services update is as follows:
Google Play services v26.06 (2026-02-16)
Developer Services
- [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Location & Context related processes in their apps.
Safety & Emergency
- [Phone] With this update, you’ll get improved earthquake alert visuals.
System Management
- [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Device Connectivity.
- [Auto, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Updatability.
- [Phone, TV] Updates to system management services that improve Battery Life, Device Storage, and Network Usage.
Utilities
- [Phone] With the new local file backup feature, you can automatically save your downloaded documents to Google Drive, ensuring they are safe and accessible from any of your devices.
Is this something you have been waiting for? Share your thoughts in the comments.
You can read more here.
