[Feature] General file backup in a separate section of the mobile app

[tiefschneekamerad]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

Immich is an excellent solution for backing up and browsing photos and videos. However, smartphones also contain important files that cannot be backed up using Immich's existing media backup functionality.

For example, messaging apps (WhatsApp, Signal, etc.) may create local encrypted backup files. Other apps may store documents, PDFs, exports, archives, or other files that users want to keep safe on their own server.

I would like to see a general file backup feature in the Immich mobile app, alongside the existing photo and video functionality.

Ideally, the app would provide two separate sections:

• Photos & Videos: The existing media library and backup functionality.
• Files: A separate area for backing up arbitrary files and folders, including files that Immich cannot display as media.

Users should be able to select files or folders for backup. The app would upload new or modified files to the Immich server when opened, without requiring a permanently running background service.

Files should be stored unchanged, preserving their original content and filenames. Immich would not need to interpret, index, or display their contents as media. A simple file browser with download and restore capabilities would be sufficient.

For example, this would allow users to back up encrypted messaging app backups alongside their photos and videos, all through one app and to one self-hosted server.

The goal is not to turn Immich into a full cloud storage or document management platform. It is to provide a convenient, self-hosted backup destination for files that are currently outside Immich's scope.

A separate file section would keep the existing photo and video experience clean while making Immich a more comprehensive personal mobile backup solution.

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile

[bo0tzz]

#3224