Google can automatically delete Android backup for devices that have been left unused for two months? Yes, Google really does that. We -...
Google can automatically delete Android backup for devices that have been left unused for two months? Yes, Google really does that. We - the Android users often have the tendency to backup our files like - contacts, pictures and other important documents in the Google drive of our Android phone. But then, if we switch our phone, and don't use the device for about a two months - Google may simply delete all the saved data (the back up) and we may never get access to them ever again. But then, Google does alert you on the same.
Just the other day, a Reddit user had posted that Google simply deleted all the backup to his data saved in Drive without any prior notification. But then that may not have happened. Google must have notified him, probably he never imagined that his back up saved on the Google drive will vanish one fine day. The Reddit user -- as reported by Android Police didn't use his device for a couple of months and that's when Google decided to delete his data from a drive. This is no new information and Google has clearly mentioned in its terms and conditions of backing data.
In answering a question which states -- "What happens when your backup expires?" Google writes in its data backup policy, "Your backup will remain as long as you use your device. If you don't use your device for 2 weeks, you may see an expiration date below your backup. Example: "Expires in 54 days." So, if a device is unused for two weeks, Google Drive will show an expiration date below the backup (see below the image), showing a countdown or the number of days you have to save your data. Google basically wants you to use the device. But, then in case, the device is left inactive for two months, Google -- one fine day will automatically delete the backup.
After the data of wiped out or deleted -- there is no way that you can retain the data. The back up saved on Google Drive will only be retained "as long as you use your device." Until you have one Android device checking in to the Google servers every couple of months, your backup will be saved and will not be deleted from the drive.
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