Google Restores Full File Access for Nextcloud Android Users After Months of Restrictions

For several months, Android users of Nextcloud — a self-hosted cloud storage platform — faced a frustrating limitation: they couldn’t upload all file types from their phones to their personal servers. This disruption stemmed from a change in Google Play Store policies that impacted the way file permissions were handled.

But there’s good news now — Google has officially restored the critical file access permission that enables full auto-upload functionality. That means users can finally get back to automatically syncing all kinds of files, not just photos and videos.

What Caused the Problem?

Back in late 2024, Google removed a special permission from the Nextcloud app called MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE. This permission allowed the app to access and manage files across a user’s entire Android storage.

Without this access, Nextcloud could only auto-upload limited file types — mostly media files like images and videos. Documents, PDFs, notes, and other important files were left behind, frustrating power users who rely on full device sync for productivity and backups.

The team at Nextcloud quickly adapted, releasing an updated version of the app that complied with Google’s new policy. However, the fix came with compromises: full auto-upload was no longer possible via the Play Store version of the app.

How Did Users React?

Many users voiced their concerns across communities, forums, and feedback channels. Some switched to the alternative version of the app available outside the Play Store, which didn’t have the same restrictions but came with the inconvenience of manual installation and updates.

This period of restricted access impacted Nextcloud's reputation for being a seamless, self-controlled cloud solution. The core promise of being able to manage your own data without interference felt compromised — but only temporarily.

The Fix: Full Access Restored

In May 2025, Google reinstated the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission for Nextcloud’s Play Store version. This quietly rolled out change means the app can now once again access and auto-upload all file types — not just photos or videos — directly from Android devices.

The Nextcloud development team confirmed that the updated app now behaves as expected, delivering the full file management experience users were accustomed to.

What Users Should Do Now

If you use Nextcloud on Android and faced issues with missing uploads, here’s what you need to do:

Update your app from the Play Store to the latest version.
Enable auto-upload for your chosen folders — including documents, notes, or any non-media files.
Recheck permissions to ensure full storage access is enabled in your Android settings.

Once updated, your files will once again sync seamlessly with your personal Nextcloud server, just like before the restrictions were introduced.

A Win for User-Controlled Platforms

This reversal from Google shows that even large tech policy decisions can be influenced when communities advocate for better support. It’s also a win for platforms like Nextcloud that champion user freedom, data privacy, and open-source technology.

Nextcloud has reaffirmed its commitment to putting control back in users' hands — and now with Google’s cooperation, Android users can enjoy the full experience once again.