Running out of space on Android can be frustrating because that means receiving those annoying “Storage Full” or “Low Storage” notifications when you least expect it. This can get further annoying because you may be unable to install apps, download videos, or save pictures on Android. But then, how do you free up space on Android?
This article got you covered! In this quick guide, you’ll find tips on how to free up space on Android phone. So, say goodbye to those annoying “Storage Full” notifications and hello to a faster Android experience. Let’s begin!
How to Free Up Space on Android
There are several ways to free up space on your Android device. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Clear App Cache
An app cache is a temporary storage area where an app stores frequently accessed data. This data can include images, videos, and other files necessary for the app to function properly. However, clearing the cache frees up space on your Android.
The steps for clearing an app’s cache may differ depending on the device you are using and the operating system version it is running. However, try the following steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap on “Apps & notifications.”
Step 3: Tap on the app you want to clear the cache for.
Step 3: Tap on “Storage & cache.”
Step 4: Tap on “Clear cache.”
2. Remove or Uninstall Apps You no Longer Use/Need
The apps you no longer use or need take up your Android device’s storage space. The longer you keep them, the more they update in the background and keep growing in size. So, deleting or uninstalling them will free up your phone storage space.
To do this, try the following tips:
Step 1: Open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap on “Apps & notifications.” or “App Management” Depending on your Android OS and version, select “Apps.”
Step 3: Tap on app settings, locate the app you rarely use or no longer need, and tap the “Uninstall” option.
The app will be uninstalled, and all its files will be deleted, freeing up your Android space.
3. Move Files to a MicroSD Card
If your Android device has a microSD card slot, you can move some of your files to the microSD card to free up space on your device’s internal storage.
To move files to the microSD card, do the following:
Step 1: Open the Files app and select either pictures, videos, Documents or maybe apps.
Step 2: Select or mark the files that you want to move if they are more than one.
Step 3: Tap on the Move button and then select the microSD card as the destination and choose the folder you want to move the files to in the SD card and tap on Paste.
The file will be moved to your SD card. Do this for other files like pictures, videos and anything that can be moved and this would create space on your Android.
4. Use a Cloud Storage Service
Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox allow storing files online. This can be a great way to free up space on your Android device, as you can access your files from any device with an internet connection.
To use a cloud storage service to free up space on your Android device, follow these steps:
Step 1: To use Google Drive, for example, download the Google Drive app from Play Store. If you don’t have one, create an account and sign in.
Step 2: Open Google Drive and select the files that you want to upload to Google Drive
Step 3: Tap the Upload button and wait for the file to finish uploading.
The files will be uploaded to the cloud storage service. Once the files have been uploaded, you can delete them from your Android device, thereby freeing up space on your Android device.
5. Delete Downloads and Unused Files
This is a straightforward and effective way to free up space on Android, yet underrated. There’s no trick or much to do, simply go to your files app and select pictures, then mark all the pictures you wish to delete and remove them. Next, go to videos, mark all the large files, and delete them. Do this for other files you want to delete and clear to create space on your Android.
6. Remove Photos & Videos
- Go to the Photos app and delete unwanted photos/videos. You can also backup photos to cloud storage like Google Photos to free up space.
- Clear cache and data for the Photos App by going to Settings and the Apps.
7. Disable Virtual RAM
If your phone has the function to be able to extend your RAM, try turning it off because the Virtual RAM will take up storage space on your device.
- Locate the Virtual RAM option from your Phone settings, and you can type virtual RAM on the search bar to be redirected to the extendable RAM Space, then turn it off.
How to Free up Space Without Deleting Apps on Android
- Clear cache for all apps from Settings, then select apps. Choose each App and tap “Clear Cache.” Cache buildup can take up a lot of space.
- Move compatible apps to SD card.
- Store files like music, videos, and PDFs on the cloud or external SD card.
How to Free up Space on Android Without Deleting Anything
To free up space on Android without deleting anything; turn off auto-download. Many apps automatically download updates and other files in the background, which can use much data and storage space.
To turn off auto-download, go to your Settings app and tap Apps. From there, tap on an app and then tap on Auto-Download. Make sure that the Auto-Download switch is turned off.
Alternatively, choose any other options above that don’t involve deleting anything to free up space on your Android.
How to Free up Space on Android With SD Card
To Free up space on Android with SD Card, do the following:
Step 1: Open the Files app and select either pictures, videos, Documents or maybe apps.
Step 2: Select or mark the files that you want to move if they are more than one.
Step 3: Tap on the Move button and then select the microSD card as the destination and choose the folder you want to move the files to in the SD card and tap on Move.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Is My Internal Storage Always Full Android?
You have a lot of apps installed on your phone that you don’t even need. Also, there are a lot of pictures, videos, and movies on your device. Also, your Android didn’t come without enough storage space.
How to Increase Internal Storage Space on Android Without SD Card?
Increase the internal storage of your Android by using an online cloud-based storage service like Google Drive and Dropbox. Alternatively, you can delete files or uninstall apps you no longer use or need.
How Do I Make My SD Card My Default Storage on Android?
To make your SD Card the default storage on Android, do the following:
Step 1: Insert an SD card into your device.
Step 2: Open Settings, go to Storage Settings and select your SD card.
Step 3: Tap the menu icon (three dots) in the upper right corner and tap “Storage settings.”
Step 4: Tap Format as internal and wait for it to finish formatting then your SD Card becomes the default storage on your Android.
How Can I Increase My Phone Storage From 64GB to 128GB?
Some Android phones don’t allow extended internal storage. However, You can use external microSD cards up to 512GB on supported devices.
Conclusion
There you have it! How to free up space on Android. Freeing up space on your Android device is important to avoid “Storage Full” notifications and improve performance. You can achieve this by clearing app caches, uninstalling unused apps, moving files to a microSD card, and using cloud storage services.
Choose any of the mentioned points to free up space on your Android and improve its performance. checkout How to Share Files Using Xenderif you’d like to move some of your files to another phone.
