How to Free Up Storage on an Android Phone

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When your Android phone runs out of space, apps slow down, photos won't save, and updates fail. Here's how to free up storage on most Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, without deleting anything important. Menus vary a bit by brand; if a setting isn't where you expect, search for it in Settings.

Step 1: Check what's using your storage

• Pixel and most Android phones: Settings > Storage.
• Samsung: Settings > Battery and device care > Storage (or Device care > Storage).

You'll see space broken down by apps, images, videos, audio, documents, and system files. Tap a category to drill in.

Step 2: Use Files by Google to clean up

Files by Google is a free app from Google, preinstalled on Pixels and many other phones. It suggests things you can safely delete.

1. Install or open Files by Google.
2. Tap Clean at the bottom.
3. Review the suggestions, such as Junk files, Duplicate files, Large files, Old screenshots, and Unused apps.
4. Tap each card, check what you want to remove, and confirm.

Samsung phones have a similar My Files app, which includes a storage analysis tool that shows duplicate and large files.

Step 3: Clear app cache

Apps store temporary files, called cache, to load faster. Over time, caches can grow large.

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Tap an app with a large size, such as a browser or social media app.
3. Tap Storage & cache (or Storage).
4. Tap Clear cache.

Clearing cache is safe; the app will rebuild it as needed. Be careful with Clear storage or Clear data, which erases the app's data, including logins and settings.

Step 4: Uninstall apps you don't use

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile picture, then Manage apps & device.
3. Tap the Manage tab and sort by Size or Least used.
4. Check apps you don't need and tap the trash icon.

Archive apps instead

On recent Android versions, the Play Store can archive apps: it removes most of the app while keeping your data, and the icon stays so you can restore it later. In the Play Store, go to Settings > General and turn on Automatically archive apps to let your phone do this for unused apps when space is low.

Step 5: Back up photos and videos with Google Photos

Photos and videos are usually the biggest space users.

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Tap your profile picture, then Photos settings > Backup, and make sure it's on.
3. Once your photos are backed up, tap your profile picture again and choose Free up space.

This removes copies from your phone that are already safely backed up. They remain available in Google Photos. Keep in mind that Google account storage is shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos, and the free allowance is limited. You may need a Google One plan for larger libraries.

Samsung users can also use OneDrive or Samsung's own cloud options, depending on their phone and region.

Step 6: Empty the trash folders

Deleted files often go to a trash or recycle bin first and still take up space.

• Google Photos: Collections (or Library) > Trash > Empty trash.
• Samsung Gallery: Menu > Recycle bin > Empty.
• Files by Google / My Files: Check the Trash or Recycle bin.

Step 7: Clean up downloads and messaging apps

• Open Files and check the Downloads folder. Old PDFs, installers, and memes add up.
• In messaging apps like WhatsApp, go to Settings > Storage and data > Manage storage to review and delete large media files.
• Turn off auto-download of media in messaging apps if you receive lots of photos and videos.

Step 8: Delete offline media

Downloaded songs, podcasts, maps, and shows take a lot of space. Check apps like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps and remove offline downloads you no longer need.

Step 9: Use a microSD card (if your phone has a slot)

Some Android phones, including many budget and mid-range models, have a microSD card slot. Pixels and recent flagship Samsung Galaxy S phones don't.

If yours does:

1. Insert a microSD card.
2. In your Camera settings, set the storage location to the SD card.
3. Use your file manager to move photos, videos, and music to the card.

Choose a card from a reputable brand, and check the maximum capacity your phone supports.

Step 10: Restart your phone

Restarting clears temporary files and can free up a bit of space, especially in system storage.

How much space should you keep free?

Keeping some free space helps your phone run smoothly and gives room for app and system updates, which need space to download and install.

Quick checklist

• Check Storage in Settings
• Use Files by Google or My Files to clean junk and duplicates
• Clear app caches
• Uninstall or archive unused apps
• Back up photos and use Free up space
• Empty trash folders
• Clear downloads, chat media, and offline content
• Use a microSD card if supported

A ten-minute cleanup every few months keeps your phone fast and ready for new photos.