How to Clear Storage on Android

Over time, your Android device can get cluttered with various files and data, causing performance issues and limited storage space. In this guide, we will show you the best ways to free up storage on your Android phone, making room for new apps and photos.

1. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

The first step is to remove apps you no longer use. To do this:

  • Go to Settings > Apps.
  • Scroll through the list of installed apps and uninstall the ones you don’t need anymore.
  • Tap the app and select Uninstall.

2. Clear App Cache

Cache files are temporary data stored by apps to speed up performance. Over time, they can take up significant space.

  1. Go to Settings > Storage > Other Apps.
  2. Select an app and tap Clear Cache.

Be careful not to tap Clear Data, as it will erase all app data, including settings and accounts.

3. Use Built-in Storage Manager

Many Android devices come with built-in tools like Google Files or Storage Manager. These tools help you quickly remove unnecessary files, duplicate photos, and large videos.

4. Move Data to an SD Card

If your device supports a microSD card, transfer some of your data to it:

  1. Go to Settings > Storage.
  2. Select SD Card and move files like photos and videos to the card.

5. Use Cloud Services

If you're still running low on space, consider using cloud services like Google Drive or Google Photos. Upload photos and videos to the cloud and delete them from your phone.

6. Manually Delete Unnecessary Files

Sometimes, old downloads and duplicate files can take up space. To delete them:

  • Open your File Manager app.
  • Go to the Downloads folder and delete any unwanted files.

7. Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If you’ve tried everything else and still need more space, you can do a factory reset. This will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up your files first.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Reset.
  2. Select Factory Reset and confirm your choice.