Tech Desk 
Nov 11, 2024
Google is reportedly working on a new feature called Smart Resume, which would let users resume app or game downloads in the Play Store after they’ve been paused.
This feature is set to roll out soon, and it would allow users to restart downloads within 24 hours after initially pausing them, offering flexibility for those with unstable internet connections or data limitations.
Currently, if you cancel a download, you will have to start from scratch, which can be frustrating, especially with larger files or in areas with throttling internet access.
In a recent APK teardown of the Google Play Store (version 43.5.26-31), code snippets revealed hints of the Smart Resume feature in development.
What to expect from Smart Resume
The Smart Resume feature keeps partially downloaded app files in a temporary directory, allowing users to resume the download from where they left off.
Files would be saved temporarily for up to 24 hours, as long as the app size does not exceed 2GB and users have at least 5GB of free storage on their device.
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The Smart Resume feature could be helpful for users on limited data plans or those downloading large apps while travelling, such as in rural areas with poor connectivity or on aeroplanes.
By resuming downloads instead of starting over, users save data and avoid downloading the same file repeatedly. This follows Google’s recent Play Store update, which introduced simultaneous downloads for up to three apps, making the App Store experience even smoother.
Google Play Store Smart Resume feature availability
While no official release date has been confirmed, this upcoming feature could be another step by Google to improve download management on the Play Store.
