Have you ever looked at the file system of your Android smartphone and came across a mysterious folder Alarms? It can range from a few kilobytes to hundreds of megabytes, but its contents are rarely obvious. This folder is not displayed in the standard file manager, but it can be found through Root Explorer, ADB or specialized utilities like Solid Explorer.

Many users ask questions: Is it possible to delete it?, Why does it grow over time? and Does it affect for alarms to work? In this article, we will analyze in detail what is stored in the folder Alarms, how it is related to system processes, and what to do if it takes up too much space. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of Android - from Android 10 to Android 14, since the logic of working with alarm clocks has changed.

Spoiler: in 90% of cases there is no need to empty this folder, but there are exceptions. Read on to find out if you belong to this 10%.

What is the Alarms folder and where is it located?

The Alarms folder is the Android system directory that stores data about alarms, timers and scheduled events. It is created automatically when you first launch the standard application Clock (Clock) and is used to synchronize signals between device reboots. Without it, alarms would be reset after each shutdown of the smartphone.

Physically the folder is located along the path: 

/data/data/com.android.providers.alarmclock/databases/

or


/data/data/com.google.android.deskclock/databases/

Depending on the version Android and manufacturer (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi path may differ). Access to it is possible only from root-rights or through ADB. You won’t see it in a regular file manager - it’s a protected system partition.

Inside the folder are stored:

  • 📁 Database SQLite alarm settings (time, days of the week, melodies).
  • 🎵 Cached sound files of melodies (if user signals are used).
  • ⏰ Timer trigger logs (for debugging system processes).
  • 🔄 Temporary files for synchronization with the cloud (on devices with an account Google).

Interesting fact: on Android 12+ some of the alarm data has been moved to secure storage Credential Storage, but the folder Alarms still remains for compatibility with old applications.

📊 You are using a standard application "Clock" for alarm clocks?
Yes, only this
No, I have a third-party application
Sometimes, when necessary
I don’t use alarm clocks

Why does the Alarms folder take up a lot space

Normally, the folder size does not exceed 5–20 MB. But some users are faced with a situation where it grows to 100+ MB or even 1–2 GBReasons for this behavior:

1. Synchronization errors with Google Account

If alarm clocks are linked to Google Account (the "Alarms in the Cloud" function), the system can duplicate data with each update. This is especially true for devices on Android 11–13where the synchronization mechanism worked. unstable.

2. Clock application malfunctions

Forcibly closing the application (com.android.deskclock) while recording an alarm can lead to the creation of “broken” records in the database.

3. Custom alarm ringtones

If you download your own sound files (for example, .mp3 or .ogg) for alarms, they are cached in the folder If you change ringtones frequently, the cache is not always cleared.

4. Residual data from deleted applications

Some third-party alarm applications (for example, Sleep as Android or Alarmy) can leave garbage in the system folder, even after uninstallation.

5. Bug in the firmware manufacturer

On devices Samsung (especially the line Galaxy S20/S21 na One UI 3.x–4.x) and some models Xiaomi (Redmi Note 10/11) a bug was recorded in which the folder grew due to errors in logging alarm events.

Cause of growth Typical folder size How to fix
Synchronization errors with Google 50–200 MB Disable synchronization alarm clocks in your Google account
Crashes in the Clock application 20–100 MB Clear the application cache or reinstall the update
Custom ringtone cache 10–50 MB Remove unnecessary melodies through alarm settings
Bug in the manufacturer's firmware 200 MB–1 GB+ Update the firmware or reset the application settings "Clock"
💡

If the Alarms folder takes up more than 100 MB, first check to see if you've enabled alarm syncing with Google. To do this, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization and disable the "Alarms" option.

Is it possible to delete the Alarms folder and what will happen if you erase it

Short answer: delete folder not recommended, but in some cases it is safe. The consequences depend on the method of deletion and the version of Android.

What happens if you delete a folder:

  • ⏰ All alarms will be reset —the next time you launch the Clock application, you will see an empty list.
  • 🔄 Timers may not work correctly —especially if repeating timers were used.
  • 🎵 Custom ringtones will disappear —you will have to download them again.
  • ⚠️ System errors —on some firmware (for example, ColorOS or MIUI) this may cause service failures android.alarm.AlarmManager.

When uninstalling acceptable:

  1. You do not use alarm clocks or are ready to set them again.
  2. The folder takes up more than 500 MB and interferes with the operation of the device.
  3. You are done backup alarms via export (available in some applications, for example Alarm Clock Xtreme).

How to delete safely:

  1. First export alarms (if your application supports it).
  2. Use ADB or Root Explorer, but do not delete the folder completely - just clear its contents: 
    adb shell

    su
    

    rm -rf /data/data/com.android.providers.alarmclock/databases/*

  3. Reboot the device and check the alarms work.
What to do if after deleting the alarms do not do they work?

If the alarms stop working, try:

1. Open the "Clock" application and re-create at least one alarm - this will restore the folder structure.

2. Reinstall updates for the "Clock" application via Google Play.

3. On Samsung devices: go to Settings → Applications → Clock → Storage and click "Clear data".

💡

Deleting the Alarms folder will not damage the system, but will reset everything alarms. If you don't actively use them, cleaning can free up space without consequences.

How to empty the Alarms folder without root access

If you do not have root access, there are several legal ways to reduce the size of the folder. They are less drastic than completely deleting them, but often solve the problem of growth.

Method. 1: Clearing the Clock application cache

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Clock (or DeskClock).
  2. Click Storage → Clear cache.
  3. If there is a "Clear data" option, use it only if you are ready to lose all alarms.

Method 2: Disable synchronization of alarms with Google

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization.
  2. Find the "Alarms" item and turn it off.
  3. Restart the device.

Method 3: Reset the Clock application settings

This method saves alarms, but resets ringtones and some parameters:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Clock → Storage.
  2. Click "Reset settings" (or "Uninstall updates" if the button is available).
  3. Update the application via Google Play.

Method 4: Using ADB (without root)

If you don't want to get root access, but are ready to use ADB, do: 

adb shell pm clear com.android.deskclock

This command will reset all Clock app data, including alarms, but will not require rights superuser.

Record all alarms on paper or take screenshots|Disable synchronization with Google|Try clearing the cache without resetting data|Create a backup via Titanium Backup (if you have root)-->

Alarms folder on different versions of Android: features

The logic for working with alarms changed from version to version. Here are the key differences:

Android version Folder location Features Typical problems
Android 9 and below /data/data/com.android.providers.alarmclock/ The folder contains only local data, there is no synchronization with Google. Growth due to broken records in the SQLite database.
Android 10–11 /data/data/com.google.android.deskclock/ Synchronization with Google has appeared, but with bugs (duplication of data). The folder can occupy 100+ MB due to synchronization errors.
Android 12–13 Split: part of the data in Credential Storage, part in the old folder. Synchronization has been improved, but problems with the ringtone cache remain. Custom ringtones are not cleared when deleted alarm clock.
Android 14 /data/user_de/0/com.google.android.deskclock/ The folder is better protected, access only through ADB with shell rights. Rarely grows, but may contain debugging logs.

On devices Samsung (firmware One UI) and Xiaomi (MIUI) folder may have additional files for integration with branded services (for example, Bixby Routines or Mi Smart Clock). This increases its size, but deleting such files is unsafe.

For Samsung owners:

If the folder has grown after updating to One UI 5/6, try:

  1. Open Settings → Additional features → Routines.
  2. Delete all automations associated with alarms.
  3. Clear application cache Samsung Clock.
💡

On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+, the Alarms folder may contain data for the Smart Alarm function. If you don't use it, disable it in the Clock application settings → Smart Alarm.

What to do if the Alarms folder appears again after cleaning

If you cleaned the folder, but it grows again, the problem lies in the system process. Here's how to diagnose and fix it:

Step 1: Check active alarms

Sometimes even one active alarm with a repeat (for example, "Every weekday") can generate a large number of logs. Delete all unnecessary alarms and check the folder size after 2-3 days.

Step 2: Monitor applications

Some applications (for example, Sleep Cycle or Google Fit) create their alarms in the background. Use ADBto see which processes are accessing the folder: 

adb shell dumpsys alarm

Look in the output for lines with com.android.deskclock or other suspicious packages.

Step 3: Check developer settings

On some devices (especially Pixel and Motorola) in Settings → System → For Developers there is an option "Do not turn off the screen when charging" or "Active mode". If it is enabled, the system can create additional logs in the folder Alarms.

Step 4: Update firmware

If the problem appeared after updating Android, check for patches. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S22 bug with folder growth was fixed in One UI 5.1.

Step 5: Reset network settings

Sometimes synchronization errors are related to network settings. Try:

  1. Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  2. Restart the device.
💡

If the folder grows again, the system process is to blame. Start by deleting all alarms and disabling synchronization - this will help identify the root of the problem.

Alternative apps for alarms and their folders

If the standard Clock app is causing problems, you can use third-party alternatives. They store data in their own folders, which eliminates problems with the system. alarm clock). Alarms.

Application Storage folder Pros Cons
Sleep as Android /Android/data/com.urbandroid.sleep/ Advanced features (sleep tracking, smart alarm). Paid version for full functionality.
Alarmy /Android/data/com.alarmy/ Tasks to turn off the alarm (for example, scan a QR code). Aggressive advertising in the free version.
Timely /Android/data/ch.bitshift.timely/ Minimalistic design, cloud-based synchronization. Not updated since 2020.
Google Clock (for non-Pixel) /data/data/com.google.android.deskclock/ Integration with Google Assistant. May conflict with the standard application.

Advantages of third-party applications:

  • 📂 Data is stored in an accessible folder —you can easily make a backup or clear the cache.
  • 🔄 Fewer system bugs —do not depend on the manufacturer's firmware.
  • ⚙️ More settings —for example, gradually increasing the alarm volume.

How to transfer alarms from the standard application:

  1. Install an alternative application (for example, Sleep as Android).
  2. Most of them have an option to import from standard "Clock" (look in the "Import/Export" settings).
  3. If there is no import, create alarms again and disable the standard application: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.deskclock
💡

Before disabling the standard "Clock" application, make sure that the alternative alarm clock works correctly Some system functions (for example, timers in Google Assistant) may depend on it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Alarms folder

❓ The Alarms folder takes up 1 GB - what should I do?

Most likely this is a firmware bug. Try:

  1. Disable synchronization of alarms with Google.
  2. Clear data from the Clock application (Settings → Applications → Clock → Storage → Clear data).
  3. If that doesn’t help, reset the device to factory settings (make a backup first).

On devices Samsung s One UI 4.x this bug is often solved by updating the firmware.

❓ Is it possible to transfer the Alarms folder to an SD card?

No, this is a system folder, and its location is hardcoded in Android. However, you can:

  • Use a third-party alarm app that supports storing data on SD.
  • Make a symbolic link (requires root): 
    su

    mv /data/data/com.android.providers.alarmclock/databases /sdcard/AlarmsBackup
    

    ln -s /sdcard/AlarmsBackup /data/data/com.android.providers.alarmclock/databases

⚠️ Attention: Symbolic links may break the functionality. alarms after reboot.

❓ Why do alarms not work after clearing the folder?

This happens if you deleted not only the cache, but also the main database Solutions:

  1. Create a new alarm. in the standard application - this will restore the folder structure.
  2. Reinstall updates for the Watch via Google Play.
  3. On devices Xiaomi try resetting the application settings Clock via Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Clock → Reset settings.
❓ How to make a backup of alarms before clearing?

Backup methods:

  • 📱 Via Titanium Backup (requires root): make a backup of the application com.android.deskclock.
  • 🖥️ Via ADB (without root): 
    adb backup -f alarms.ab -apk com.android.deskclock

    You can restore with the command:

    adb restore alarms.ab
  • ✏️ Manually: write down the time and days for each alarm on paper or in notes.

⚠️ Attention: Backup via ADB may not save custom alarm tones.

❓ Does the Alarms folder affect battery life?

The folder itself does not consume charge, but related processes - yes. If the system has many active alarms or timers, the service AlarmManager may wake up the processor more often than necessary. Check battery consumption:

  1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Usage Settings → Battery → Battery Usage.
  2. Find the "Clock" application (Clock or DeskClock).
  3. If it consumes >1% per day without active use, remove unnecessary alarms.