If You're Out of Space on Your Phone, Do This Before Deleting Photos: Android Storage Cleanup Guide

On the phone screen “Storage is almost full” warning. But the solution is not always to delete photos randomly.

According to Android's current help documentation, it is necessary to first check which category uses how much space. For this, your phone Settings > Storage section. Menu names may vary depending on the manufacturer.

First find out what's taking up space on your phone

1. Settings application.
2. Storage.
3. Check how much space photos, videos, apps, downloads and other categories use.
4. It would be more logical to start from the category that uses the most space.

Check photos backed up with Google Photos

If your photos are backed up to Google Photos, you can free up storage space by removing local copies on your device. Google also lists the removal of backed up photos and videos from the device among its storage space freeing options.

The important point to note here is:

Do not delete a photo from the phone without making sure it is actually backed up.

Uninstall apps you don't use

Apps that have not been opened for months or even years can accumulate on phones.

You can manually uninstall unused apps on Android or take advantage of automatic archiving options on some devices. Google Play also states that it has the feature of automatically archiving unused applications.

Find junk files with Files by Google

Files by Google is one of the tools that can be used to clean up storage space.

In-app:

• Can clean unnecessary files
• Can find duplicate files
• You can uninstall unused applications
• You can review the screenshots
• You can manage files and folders

According to Google's current documentation, Files by Google can be used on Android 8.0 and above.

Do not keep the same files over and over

The same photo or video can be downloaded more than once, especially when using WhatsApp, Telegram and social media.

Files by Google Duplicate files original file with cleanup Original.

Steps:

1. Files by Google application.
2. Clean.
3. Duplicate files card.
4. Examine the files.
5. Select the duplicates you want to delete.
6. Move to trash.

Google recommends keeping the file marked as original.

Clearing cache can free up storage space

Some applications create temporary files.

According to the Android help page, the cache of applications can be cleared. However “Clear storage” to “Clear cache” are not the same thing.

• Clear cache: Deletes temporary data.
• Clear storage: May permanently delete the app's data.

Therefore, be careful not to accidentally delete application data.

Don't forget the Downloads folder

Many people do not delete the PDF, ZIP, video and other files they download to their phones for years.

Files > Downloads / Downloads section.

Phone memory and RAM are not the same thing

There is a common mistake here.

• Storage: The area where photos, videos, applications and files are located.
• RAM / Memory: The workspace used by running applications.

Therefore, the sentence “my phone's memory is full” can actually mean two different things.

Safe cleaning sequence

One of the most risk-free methods:

1. Check out large videos.
2. Clear downloaded files.
3. Find duplicate files.
4. Uninstall or archive unused applications.
5. Check backed up photos.
6. Clear the cache when necessary.

The most important rule: Do not randomly delete system files that you do not know what they are.