How to properly clean an Android smartphone: from cache to system garbage

Has your smartphone started to slow down, quickly discharge, or display "Not enough memory" errors? The reason in 90% of cases lies in accumulated digital garbage: remnants of deleted applications, an overflowing cache, duplicate photos and unnecessary system files. Even new models Android Has it started to slow down, run out of battery quickly, or display “Not enough memory” errors? The reason in 90% of cases lies in accumulated digital garbage: remnants of deleted applications, an overflowing cache, duplicate photos and unnecessary system files. Even new models Samsung Galaxy S24 or Xiaomi 14 Pro after 6-12 months of operation begin to “choke” from junk if you do not carry out regular cleaning.

In this article - practical guide on cleaning Androiddevices of any brands (including Google Pixel, OnePlus, Realme and others). We will analyze not only standard methods through settings, but also hidden functions that manufacturers do not advertise. You will learn how to free up to 30-50% of memory without deleting important data, which applications should be deleted first, and why manual cleaning is more effective than automatic "optimizers".

Important: procedures differ for devices with clean Android (for example, Pixel) and with branded shells (One UI from Samsung, MIUI from Xiaomi, ColorOS from Oppo). Where this is critical, we will indicate separately.

1. Diagnostics: what exactly is taking up memory on the phone

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand which files they are eating up space. On different devices, the path to analytics is different, but the general logic is the same: we look for the “Storage” or “Memory” section.

For example, on Samsung s One UI 6.0+: Settings → Device care → Memory → Details

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+: Settings → About phone → Memory → Memory analysis

On clean Android 14+ (for example, Google Pixel 8): Settings → Storage

The system will show the distribution of memory by category: applications, photo/video, audio, system data and cache. Pay attention to the items:

• 📱 "Applications" — unused apps that take up gigabytes may be hidden here (especially instant messengers and games).
• 🗑️ "Other" or "System data" —this is most often garbage: log files, temporary data, update remnants.
• 📁 "Downloads" —the folder where Forgotten PDFs, APKs and archives accumulate.
• 🔄 "Cache" —can weigh up to 5-10 GB, but not all of it can be safely deleted.

If the "Storage" section on your phone shows only the total volume without details - use third-party analyzers. For example, application Files by Google (official from Google) or DiskUsage (shows a visual map of occupied space).

2. Clearing the cache: what can be deleted and what cannot

Caches are temporary files that applications create to speed up work. For example, Instagram caches stories, YouTube caches video previews, and games cache level textures. The problem is that many apps do not clear the cache automatically.and after a year it can take up 3-8 GB.

Safely delete you can:

• 🎮 Game cache (for example, Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile - after cleaning the game will simply reload the data).
• 📺 Cache of streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch).
• 📱 Social network cache (TikTok, VKontakte, Telegram).

It is not recommended to clear cache:

• 📊 System applications (for example, Android System WebView or Google Play Services - this can break the phone's operation).
• 🔒 Applications with offline data (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Maps —you will lose the downloaded cards).
• 💳 Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff —re-authorization may be required).

How to clear the cache:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application (for example Chrome).
3. Click "Storage" → "Clear cache".

For mass clearing on Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Clear (the system itself will select safe files).

On Xiaomi: Settings → Applications → Cleaning → Application cache.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse "Clear cache" and "Clear data"! Second action will delete all settings and application files (for example, saves in games or chats in instant messengers).

3. Removing unnecessary applications and "digital corpses"

"Digital corpses" are applications that you have not used for a long time, but they continue to take up space, update and consume battery power. According to Google Play, the average user installs 30-50 applications per year, but only actively uses them. 10-15.

How to find and delete unnecessary things:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Sort the list by "Size" or "Last used".
3. Delete apps that:
   • 📅 Have not been used for more than 3 months.
   • 📥 Take up more than 100 MB (especially games).
   • 🔄 Are updated too often (check Google Play in the "Updates" section).

List of applications that can be deleted almost always (if you don't use them):

• 🎵 Pre-installed music services (Samsung Music, Mi Music — if you use Spotify or Yandex Music).
• 📺 Duplicate video players (Google Play Videos (for example,if you watch via YouTube Premium).
• 📡 Applications of mobile operators (MTS Personal account, Beeline - if you do not use their services).
• 🎮 Demo games from the manufacturer (for example, Asphalt 9 on Realme).

On some devices (for example, Samsung or Huawei) some applications cannot be deleted using standard methods —they can only be “disabled.” For complete removal you will need rights. root or ADB commands (we'll talk about this below).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI) after deleting system applications, you may lose access to functions like topics or energy saving mode. Before deleting, check reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

4. Cleaning system garbage: log files, temporary data, update remnants

System garbage are files that Android creates for debugging, updates and temporary operations. They rarely take up much space (usually 100-500 MB), but their accumulation can lead to slowdown and overheating devices.

Where to look for system garbage:

Type of garbage	Where it is stored	How to clear
Log files (.log, .txt)	/sdcard/log/ or /data/log/	Delete manually through a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer)
Remaining updates (.zip, .tmp)	/cache/ or /data/ota_package/	Clear via Settings → Storage → Other files
Dalvik cache data	/data/dalvik-cache/	Requires rights root or reset to factory settings
Empty folders	Any directories with zero size	Delete via Files by Google (section "Cleaning")

On devices with MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco) there is a built-in tool for cleaning system garbage: Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning → Deep cleaning

On Samsung s One UI: Settings → Device care → Memory → Optimize

If you can’t find garbage manually, use applications like SD Maid (requires root) or CCleaner (works without superuser rights, but is less efficient).

What is Dalvik cache and can it be deleted?

Dalvik cache is an optimized version of applications that it Android creates to speed up their launch. It is not recommended to delete it manually, since the system. will restore it the next time you launch applications, but this may temporarily slow down the phone. The only safe way to clean it is to reset it to factory settings or use specialized tools like TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader).

5. Optimizing photos and videos: how to free up gigabytes

Multimedia files are the main one. "devourer" of memory. For example, one video in 4K weighs 300-500 MB, and photos in format RAW up to 50 MB each. Even if you don’t shoot on purpose, messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and social networks (Instagram, TikTok) automatically download media files in the background. mode.

How to clear multimedia without losing important files:

• 📸 Remove duplicate photos. Use Google Photos (section "Utilities → Duplicates") or Gallery Doctor (for Samsung).
• 🎥 Compress the video. Applications like Video Compress or CapCut will reduce the file size by 40-60% without noticeable loss quality.
• 🗑️ Empty the folder DCIM/.thumbnails. Thumbnails of photos and videos are stored here, which can be safely deleted.
• ☁️ Transfer the photo to the cloud. Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or iCloud offer free storage (usually 5-15 GB). After downloading, the originals can be deleted from the phone, leaving only the preview.

On devices Google Pixel there is a built-in compression function photo: Settings → Storage → Free up space → Compress photo

For Samsung: Gallery → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Free up space

⚠️ Attention: If you use Google Photos in "High Quality" mode (not "Original"), then photos older than 2 years may be compressed automatically. Check the storage settings in the application to avoid loss of quality.

6. Factory reset: when you really need it

Factory reset (Hard Reset) is a “nuclear” cleaning method that deletes all data from the phone, including applications, settings, accounts and files. It should be used only in extreme cases:

• 🐢 The phone became unbearably slow even after all the cleaning.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or spywarewhich is not removed by the antivirus.
• 🔄 Before sale or transfer phone to another person.
• 📱 After unsuccessful update firmware (for example, the phone constantly reboots).

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings (on some devices: Settings → General settings → Reset).
3. Select "Delete all data" or "Reset to factory settings".
4. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or pattern).

On devices Xiaomi there is a "Local reset" function that saves photos and videos: Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Local reset

After the reset, the phone will reboot and will be like new. You will need again:

• 🔑 Set up Google account and other accounts.
• 📥 Install applications (we recommend starting with the essentials).
• 📞 Restore contacts and messages (if there was a backup).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox) protection may work after a reset. Factory Reset Protection (FRP). In this case, you will need to enter the login and password for the last Google accountthat was on the phone. If you have forgotten the data, it will be difficult to restore access!

7. ADB, root and hidden functions

If standard methods did not help, and the phone is still slow, it’s time to move on to advanced techniques. They require more time and sometimes technical knowledge, but they allow you to clear what is not available through regular settings.

1. Removing system applications via ADB

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging, which allows you to control your phone from your computer. You can use it to remove pre-installed applications that are usually not removed.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (you can download from the website Google).
2. Enable on your phone developer mode (click on the build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
4. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

   Instead of com.example.app substitute the name of the application package (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

2. Cleaning via TWRP (requires root)

TWRP is a custom recovery that allows you to make backups, clean partitions and install firmware. To use it you need to:

• Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
• Install TWRP via fastboot.
• In the menu TWRP select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark:
  • 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache
  • 🧹 Cache
  • 📁 Data (only if you are ready to lose all data!)

3. root

With rights root you can delete files that are usually hidden:

• /data/app-lib/ — remnants of deleted applications.
• /data/dalvik-cache/ — Dalvik cache (can be deleted, but will be restored upon reboot).
• /data/system/package_cache/ —package cache.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB, TWRP or root can lead to "brick" the phone (complete inoperability) If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a specialist or study guides on thematic ones. forums (4PDA, XDA).

What is a phone "brick"?

This is a condition when the device does not turn on or does not load beyond the logo. There is a "soft brick" (can be restored through fastboot or recovery) and "hard brick" (requires flashing through special equipment, for example JTAG).

8. How to maintain cleanliness: rules of prevention

To prevent your phone from becoming clogged with garbage again, follow these rules:

• 📅 Monthly clear application cache and check storage.
• 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources (risk of viruses and unnecessary software).
• ☁️ Set up automatic photo upload to the cloud (for example, Google Photos).
• 🔄 Update firmware —in new versions Android often improve memory optimization.
• 📥 Limit background data loading in messengers and social networks.

Useful settings for prevention:

Settings	Where to enable	Effect
Limiting background activity	Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Special access Battery optimization Auto-cleaning	Applications will not consume memory and battery in the background
Auto clear cache	Settings → Storage → Free up space → Auto cleanup (on Samsung)	The phone will automatically delete unnecessary cache
Prohibiting auto-downloading of media in messengers	Chat settings in WhatsApp/Telegram → "Media files"	Photos and videos will not download automatically

If you often install and uninstall applications, use Island (for Android 9+) or ShelterThese apps create a “sandbox” for testing software without clogging the main one. system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning Android

❓ Is it possible to clean a phone without losing data?

Yes, if you use the methods from sections 2-5 (clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary applications, optimizing photos). Resetting to factory settings (section 6) will delete all data, so it should be used only as a last resort.

❓ Why does the memory quickly run out again after cleaning?

Probable reasons:

• 📱 Messengers and social networks automatically download media files (disable auto-download in chat settings).
• 🔄 Updates applications (especially games) can weigh 1-2 GB.
• 🗑️ System log files accumulate again (use SD Maid for automatic cleaning).

❓ Which cleaning applications really work?

Tested tools:

• 🧹 Files by Google - official application from Google, removes garbage and duplicates.
• 🗃️ SD Maid - for advanced users (requires root for complete cleaning).
• 📱 CCleaner - simple interface, but less effective than SD Maid.

Avoid "optimizers" like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster —they often show false threats and consume resources themselves.

❓ How to clean the phone if it does not turn on?

If the phone does not respond to the power button:

1. Connect to charger for 30 minutes - the battery may simply have run out.
2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter recovery (usually Power + Volume Up or Power + Volume Down).
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (control volume and power supply).
4. If it doesn’t help, you will need to flash it via fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

❓ Is it worth using root to clean it?

Pros root:

• ✅ You can remove any system applications.
• ✅ Access to hidden folders with garbage.
• ✅ Ability to use powerful tools like Titanium Backup.

Cons:

• ❌ The warranty is reset.
• ❌ The risk of the phone “bricking” if you do the wrong thing.
• ❌ Some banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) stop working.

Conclusion: root justified only if you are an experienced user and are ready for risks.