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Best Cloud Based Storage Apps For Your Android Device
Choosing cloud storage after a phone goes missing is too late. Decide what needs a second copy while your Android phone is still in your hand: photos, documents or supported phone data. Cloud storage apps handle these jobs differently, so the best fit depends on what you want to keep.
The free storage allowances and Android features below were checked on 4 November 2026. Plans can change, so check your account before moving a large photo library.
Best cloud storage apps for Android at a glance
| App | Free storage | Good fit for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive and Google Photos | Up to 15 GB | Android users already using Google | Storage is shared across Google services |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5 GB | Windows and Microsoft 365 users | Storage is shared across Microsoft services |
| Dropbox Basic | 2 GB | Sharing a smaller set of files | Limited space for a large photo library |
| Proton Drive | 5 GB | Privacy-focused file and photo storage | Fewer mainstream productivity integrations |
Which Android cloud storage app should you choose?
Google Drive and Google Photos
If you already use a Google account on your phone, Drive and Photos are straightforward to set up. Drive works well for documents and folders; Google Photos is designed for your camera roll; Android’s backup setting covers supported phone data.
The catch is the shared storage allowance. Google accounts include up to 15 GB across Drive, Gmail and Photos, and Android backups can use that pool too. If the account is nearly full, check its storage breakdown before deleting files from Drive.
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a natural option if your laptop and documents already use Microsoft tools. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB shared across Microsoft storage services. Its Android app can upload your camera roll.
Camera backup is a one-way upload: once a photo is uploaded, removing the phone copy leaves the cloud copy in place. Check that the upload has finished before freeing space, and confirm you have selected the right account if you use both personal and work accounts.
Dropbox Basic
Dropbox Basic starts with 2 GB. That’s a small allowance for years of photos and videos, but it can suit a shared folder of documents, receipts or project files. The Android app lets you preview files, share links and make selected items available offline.
Proton Drive
Proton Drive’s free plan includes 5 GB of Drive storage. It uses end-to-end encryption for file contents and names before upload, and its Android app offers automatic photo backup. It’s worth considering for private files; Google and Microsoft may feel more convenient if you regularly work on documents with other people.
How to choose the right cloud backup for your phone
Start with the account you already use. Google Drive and Photos are a simple pairing for many Android users. OneDrive can be handy if your files already live in Microsoft 365. Dropbox suits smaller collections you share, while Proton Drive offers an encrypted option for private files.
You can use more than one app, but keep track of where each copy lives. Before deleting anything from your phone, check that the upload is complete and read how that app handles deletion. Camera upload and two-way file sync aren’t the same thing.
For a large first backup, leave your phone connected to Wi-Fi and power. Then open the account on another device or in a browser and check for a recent photo or file. A backup switch being on doesn’t confirm that the upload has finished.
For photos and documents you couldn’t replace, keep a second copy on another device or an external drive. Turn on two-step verification for the cloud account and store its recovery details somewhere safe.
Frequently asked questions
If your Android phone is going in for repair or you’re moving to a new one, make sure the backup has finished first. View iMobile’s Samsung repair options, Google phone repair options, or find a nearby iMobile store.
