Using a phone with minimal storage can be due to its limited capacity or multiple file intakes. The need to create more space can also emerge out of the blue, which could beg the quest of "how to free up phone memory space on Android." Are you caught up in this situation? Here's how to go about it.
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Why is My Android Memory So Full?
The prompt “insufficient storage space” often signals that a phone’s memory is at optimum capacity. On the notification bar, this text could persist while hindering other operations on the device. But what could be the cause? You might wonder without forthcoming answers. Here below are some reasons why the memory is so full.
Media Files and Photos.
Many Android devices support high-quality cameras and video resolutions, resulting in full memory. Some smartphones, such as the TECNO CAMON 20, boast clear pictures of up to 18 megabytes per shot. Videos or MP4s of 720 pixels and other large files in their multiples can also take up memory space on your device.
Caches.
Caches are frequent to Android apps and occupy smartphone storage. Although these files can help reduce your frequently used apps' turnaround time, cached data contribute to a full memory when left uncleared over time.
App Files.
System and non-system apps can retain enormous files or data on your phone's storage space. One such app is the Chrome browser, which can conserve chunks of data, as much as a GB if left uncleared. Your WhatsApp folders can also reproduce offline files unnoticeably to fill your storage.
Recently Deleted Files.
Recently deleted files are often present in folders, especially in the gallery section. While they may be invisible, their build-up is a fill-up to phone storage. And your device may have to deal with a bloated memory unless you permanently delete the files.
Miscellaneous Files, Folders, or Apps.
Miscellaneous files, folders, or apps can replicate on your phone in such a way that fills up the storage. These log files could be in the form of attachments with your downloads or received files from friends.
Frozen or Disabled Apps.
Your phone can run out of storage if you have several disabled or frozen apps. These unused app data are parts of the memory and are only non-functional in their saved location - similar to the files locked in vaults.
What Should I Delete When My Phone Memory Is Full?
System apps are on phones by default and are non-deletable except on rooted devices. As such, you may have to deal with thoughts on what to delete to free up your occupied device storage.
Although deleting files can be relative to their importance, you will always find the non-essential types. The list below further provides a clue on what to delete.
Delete Unused Apps.
Unused non-system apps are burdens for phone storage and needless when there are alternatives. For instance, if you have two dictionary apps with similar functions, holding on to both apps can be unnecessary. You can delete one to create more space on your Android phone.
Remove Data Clutter from File Manager.
The file manager houses several system and app folders on your device. While these files are often there by default, you can erase those for which you no longer need their data. And for installed large APKs, delete their default files if you won't need them anytime soon.
Permanently Delete Recent Cleared Files.
As mentioned earlier, deleted media files - pictures - are often retrievable and can occupy lots of space on your phone. You can find them in the gallery section or the file manager to delete permanently. Others that are useful can remain to manage the available space.
Clear Caches.
Caches can be beneficial for apps running, but their excesses are a do-without. When you have a full memory, you can delete the app's caches and leave nothing behind. These junks will create more space for other tasks on the internal storage.
How do I Clear My Phone Storage Without Deleting Everything?
There are several ways you can clear your phone storage without deleting everything. Here are some applicable processes to go with the flow.
Delete Files From the File Manager.
The file manager provides the flexibility to delete files and clear your phone storage without mixups. You can choose to erase the files from your folders or delete an apps folder entirely with its content.
For instance, you can clear stickers, statuses, and junk on your WhatsApp folder rather than clicking the "clear data" option on the apps menu. And perform a similar process on other folders in the File Manager to expand the available storage.
You can also sort your folder arrangement to prevent deleting small-sized data that occupy a minute space. The sorting steps below work when you have large chunks of data that are hard to locate.
- Open the files app and tap the three icons in the upper right corner.
- Arrange the files on the file manager by type, name, size, or recently given.
- Pick the size and select from those that are larger on the top.
Use Auto-Cleaner.
Auto cleaner has now made it easier for phone users who may not know how to free up phone memory space on Android. Many of today's smartphones, including TECNO, feature auto-cleaners that clean junk files to improve phone storage and performance without deleting everything.
You can tap your phone's file manager to check below the display icons for the cleaner and follow the guide if the feature is present. Other Google Play Store apps, like the Phone Master and Phoenix browser, can also complement the cleaning process to free up the space on the device. With only a single click, you clear selected storage in seconds.
Online Backups.
Online backups are simpler to pave the way for clearing phone storage but are only accessible with your mobile data. You can improve your device's storage space by backing up some files online on free or paid cloud storage.
Apps like Google Photos, Drive, and a few others provide up to 15GB of free storage for backups from folders without a hard reset. You can transfer your files by Google apps from preferred folders and delete them afterward. However, single uploads are a safer method for how to free up phone memory space on Android without losing files.
On Google Photos;
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap the account section in the upper right corner to sign up or log in to your Google account.
- Click the 'turn on backup' from the app settings to auto-backup your pictures and videos. (Data charges apply)
- Skip step 3 for manual upload.
- Open the photos and videos you want to upload from the Photos section.
- Tap the upload icon and allow it to upload.
On Google Drive;
- Open your Google Drive.
- Click the + icon to create a folder for your files.
- Open the new folder and tap the + again.
- Click the upload files option.
- Select the files - pictures, videos, music, and documents you want to upload. (Data charges apply)
Move Your Files to an SD Card or USB Drive.
You can move your files to an SD card if you're unsure how to free up phone memory space on Android. Although the internal storage manages apps, which are unmovable to inserted cards, you can move your pictures and videos on the go.
If your phone also supports OTG, you can insert a USB Drive to transfer non-essential files you may want to retrieve later. Check your settings > connections, and turn on the OTG option to begin the transfer process.
Clear Caches.
Clearing app caches is another effective way to free your phone storage without deleting everything. Every active app accumulates caches over time but takes only a few clicks to clear them and create extra storage.
You can delete the caches individually or open the settings storage to clear them all in a single shot. Whichever way, you will relieve your phone storage, and here's how you can do it.
Apps Cache.
- Hold and long-press the app(s) you want to delete.
- Click app info.
- Tap on Storage & Cache.
- Click Clear Cache.
All Apps Cache.
- Open your settings app. (Check your phone for a guide if the storage apps differ).
- Tap on Storage.
- Click on Cache.
- Confirm you want to clear.
How do I Free Up Space on My Android SD Card?
Android SD cards are alternative storage for devices that support expandable memory. If you already know how to free up phone memory space on Android - internal storage - that of your SD card will also come in handy. And here's how you can do it.
Move the Files.
You can move files from your Android SD card to the internal storage or vice-versa. These help to limit the files on your card and make it more spacious.
Delete or Backup Unused Files.
Similar to files on phone storage, you can delete or back up unused files on your SD card to free up space. All it only takes is to select the folder and begin backup.
Erase the SD Card.
If you have a filled SD card with difficulty figuring out how to free up phone memory space on Android, you can erase the SD card. The card will become free of files and allow you to bring in new files. It's discouraging to be unable to open a file despite the resources (material and immaterial) used in downloading it.
