The internal memory of a smartphone Android is not just storage for files, but a key component on which the speed of the device, the stability of applications and even battery life depend. Many users encounter problems: the phone suddenly starts to “slow down” and issues a notification "Not enough memory", although it would seem that there is still enough free space. Others cannot understand why the memory capacity does not increase after deleting photos. All this is connected with the features of storage management in Android - a system that is not always intuitive.

In this article we will look at all methods of setting up internal memory: from basic cache clearing to deep partition formatting, transferring data to a memory card and even manual management sections through ADB. You will learn how to free up space without losing important files, why system updates "eat up" memory, and what to do if your smartphone does not see the internal storage. The material is relevant for all versions Android —from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15, taking into account the features of firmware from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and other manufacturers.

⚠️ Important: Some operations (for example, formatting or changing memory layout) can lead to total data loss. If you store critical files on your phone, first create a backup copy via Google Drive or a physical drive.

1. Analysis of memory usage: where and how much files occupy

Before clearing memory, you need to understand what exactly takes up space. T Android has built-in analysis tools, but they are often hidden or show the data incompletely. Let's consider all the ways.

The easiest way is to open Settings → Storage. Here you will see a diagram with the distribution of memory by category: "Applications", "Media files", "System data" etc. Click on any category to see details. For example, in the section "Applications"** you can sort apps by size and see which ones take up the most space (often these are games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobilethat download gigabytes of cache).

However, the built-in analyzer does not show hidden files (for example, the system update cache or data from uninstalled applications). For in-depth analysis, use third-party utilities:

  • 🔍 Files by Google —an official application from Googlethat shows "junk" files (duplicates, temporary data, large files).
  • 📊 DiskUsage —visualizes occupied space in the form of an interactive map (useful for search for “heavy” folders).
  • 🛠️ SD Maid is an advanced tool for cleaning the system cache and remnants of deleted applications (requires rootrights for full functionality).

If you see that a partition "System data" occupies a suspiciously large amount of space (for example, 10+ GB for phone with 64 GB of memory), this may indicate: System data data-i="82">system updates

  • 📥 Accumulated system updates (files .ota or .zip in a folder /cache).
  • 🗑️ Remains deleted applications (folders /data/app-lib or /data/data).
  • 🔄 Logs and dumps (files with the extension .log or .dmpthat are created during failures).
📊 How often do you analyze memory usage on your phone?
Once a week
Only when it runs out place
Never checked
I use automatic cleaners

2. Clearing memory without losing data: cache, garbage, duplicates

Most memory problems are solved by simple cleaning. But here it is important not to overdo it: for example, clearing the application cache can speed up the phone, but will also lead to re-downloading of data (for example, maps in Google Maps or previews in InstagramLet's take a look at what can be safely deleted and what not.

1. Clear application cache

Caches are temporary files that apps create to speed up their work. Over time, they accumulate and can take up gigabytes. To clear the cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
  3. Click "Storage" →"Clear cache".

For mass clearing, use Settings → Storage → Free up space (on some In firmware, this option is called "Optimize").

2. Deleting unnecessary files

Using Files by Google or built-in file manager, check the following folders:

  • 📂 Download —downloads from the browser, instant messengers, email accumulate here.
  • 🎵 Music, Podcasts —audio files that you have not listened to for a long time.
  • 📷 DCIM/.thumbnails —photo thumbnails (can be deleted, they will be restored automatically).
  • 📄 Documents — old PDF, Excel files, archives.

3. Search and remove duplicates

Duplicates of photos, videos and documents can take up up to 20% of memory. To search for them, use:

  • 🔍 Duplicate Files Fixer (scans by content, not by file name).
  • 📁 CCleaner (has a module for searching for duplicates).

⚠️ Attention: Do not manually delete files from folders /data or /system without rootrights This may lead to the need for full. reset. system crash and the need for a complete reset.

☑️ Checklist for clearing memory

Done: 0 / 5

3. internal memory: when and how to do

If the phone starts to work unstable (frequent reboots, application errors), and cleaning does not help, you may need formatting internal memory. This is an extreme measure, since it deletes all data, including applications, settings and files. However, in some cases this is the only way to return the device to the "factory" one. state.

When you need to format the memory:

  • 🔄 After a firmware failure or unsuccessful update Android.
  • 🦠 If the phone is infected with a virus that is not deleted by the antivirus.
  • 📉 At critically low speed (lags, freezes).
  • 🔧 Before selling or transferring the phone to another user.

How to format the internal memory:

  1. Create a backup copy of important data (photo, contacts, messages).
  2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
  3. Select "Delete all data (factory reset)".
  4. Confirm action (you may need to enter a pattern or password).

On some devices (for example, Samsung) there is an option "Clear cache partition" —it does not affect user data, but resets temporary system files.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI (for example, Xiaomi or Redmiafter resetting, you may need to re-link your account MiIf you have forgotten the password, the device will become a “brick”!

What will happen if you interrupt the formatting?

Interrupting the reset process can damage the file system. In the best case, the phone simply will not turn on and will require a second reset via Recovery Mode. In the worst case, you will have to reflash the device via Fastboot or take it to the service center.

4. Transferring data to a memory card: pros and cons

If the internal memory is sorely lacking, many users consider the option of transferring data to microSD card. However, there are nuances here: not all applications support working with an external drive, and the read/write speed on the card is often lower than in the internal memory. Let's take a look at how to use this method correctly.

What can be transferred to a memory card:

  • 📷 Photos and videos (via Google Photo or manually).
  • 🎵 Music and podcasts (applications like Spotify or VLC allow you to specify the path to files).
  • 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).
  • 🎮 Some games (for example Minecraft or emulators).

What CANNOT be transferred:

  • 📱 System applications and their data.
  • 🔒 Files related to DRMprotection (for example, movies from Netflix or music from Apple Music).
  • 📲 Messenger data (WhatsApp, Telegram —their cache and media can only be transferred through the settings of the application itself).

How to transfer data:

  1. Insert a memory card into slot (if the phone supports microSD).
  2. Format it as "Portable storage" (this will allow you to use the card on other devices) or as "Internal memory" (then it will expand the main storage, but will only work on this phone).
  3. Use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) to move files.

📌 Important: If you choose to format the card as "Internal memory", it will be encrypted and linked to the device. Once extracted, the data on it will become. not available!

Card type Read/write speed Suitable for applications? Price for 128 GB (approximately)
microSD Class 10 10-30 MB/s ❌ No (slow) 800-1200 ₽
microSD UHS-I (U1) 30-90 MB/s ⚠️ Partially (lags are possible) 1200-1800 ₽
microSD UHS-I (U3) 90-150 MB/s ✅ Yes (optimal) 1800-2500 ₽
microSD Express 300+ MB/s ✅ Yes (for flagships) 3500+ ₽
💡

If you use a memory card as an internal one, regularly check it for errors through the app. Cheap cards often “lose” files or slow down after a few months. SD Card Tester. Cheap cards often "lose" files or slow down after a few months.

5. Expanding memory through OTG and cloud services

If your phone does not support microSD (like, for example, many models Google Pixel or OnePlus), there are alternative ways to expand storage:

1. USB drives via OTG

Using OTG cable (or adapter USB-C → USB-A) you can connect:

  • 🖥️ A regular flash drive (formatted in FAT32 or exFAT).
  • 💾 External hard drive (additional power will be required for the HDD).
  • 📁 SSD drive (for example, Samsung T7 -compact and fast).

To work with files, use Files by Google or FX File Explorer. (for example, VLC or Kodi) can directly read media from OTG drives.

2. Cloud storage

If you need to free up space for applications rather than media files, transfer photos, videos and documents to the cloud:

  • 📷 Google Photos — unlimited storage for compressed photos (up to 15 MP) and videos (up to 1080p).
  • 📁 Google Drive — 15 GB free (shared storage for all services Google).
  • 🌥️ Yandex Disk — 10 GB free, convenient for users from Russia.
  • 🍎 iCloud —if you have devices from Apple, you can synchronize files between ecosystems.

⚠️ Attention: When using cloud services, consider:

  • 📶 You need internet to upload/download files (this can be expensive on mobile traffic).
  • 🔒 Free plans often have capacity limitations.
  • 🕒 The initial download of a large amount of data may take time watch.
💡

OTG drives and cloud services will not replace internal memory for applications, but will help free up space for media files and documents.

6. Manual management of memory sections (for advanced)

If you are ready to dive into technical details, you can manually change the internal memory layout via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or custom recovery (TWRP). This allows, for example:

  • 🔧 Increase the partition size /data at the expense of /system (relevant for phones with small memory).
  • 🗃️ Create a separate section for swap (virtual memory, speeds up work on weak devices).
  • 🔄 Reassign data storage paths (for example, force applications to save the cache to the memory card).

⚠️ Warning: These actions require rootrights and can lead to irreversible damage to the device. Without experience, it is better not to experiment!

Example command for resizing a partition via ADB:

adb shell

su


umount /data


e2fsck -f /dev/block/mmcblk0pX # Replace X with your partition number


resize2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0pX # Increase size

To work with partitions they also use:

  • 🛠️ Partition Wizard (via TWRP).
  • 📊 GParted (on a PC with a connected phone in the mode MTP).

📌 Important: Before any manipulations with partitions:

  1. Create a full backup via TWRP or SP Flash Tool.
  2. Make sure the battery is 100% charged (process interruption = brick).
  3. Use only proven instructions for your model phone.
What is the /data partition and why can’t it just be reduced?

The partition /data stores all user data, settings and application files. Reducing it without first cleaning it will lead to data loss or system crash. In addition, some firmware reserves part of it. data-i="287">for updates, and its reduction can block OTA updates. /data for updates, and its reduction may block OTA updates.

7. Solving errors with internal memory

Sometimes the internal memory stops working correctly: the phone does not see files, displays errors when recording, or shows the wrong volume. Considered problems and their solutions.

Error Possible cause Solution
"Memory is corrupted" File system failure (ext4 or f2fs) Format via Recovery Mode or fastboot
"Not enough memory", although there is space Partition occupied /cache or system reserve Clearing cache via TWRP or factory reset
The phone does not see the internal memory The memory controller or firmware is damaged Flashing via Odine (for Samsung) or SP Flash Tool
Memory is "eaten up" by itself Virus or background activity of applications Checking for viruses (Malwarebytes) and disabling application startup

If the phone does not turn on due to memory problems:

  1. Boot into Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up).
  2. Select "Wipe data/factory reset".
  3. If that does not help, flash the phone via PC (look for instructions for your model).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Dynamic RAM (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22+), part of the internal memory can be reserved for RAM. This is normal and does not require correction!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android internal memory

Is it possible to increase the internal memory of the phone without a memory card?

No, you cannot physically increase the amount of internal memory. However, you can:

  • Optimize the use of current memory (clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary files).
  • Use OTG drives or cloud storage for transfer. data.
  • On some phones (for example, Xiaomi), you can allocate part of the memory to swap, but this does not increase the volume, but only improves multitasking.
Why is the memory not freed after deleting files?

This happens because:

  • Application cache — some apps (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) store media in hidden folders.
  • Trashes —files can end up in the trash (in Google Photos or the file manager) and take up space for another 30-60 days.
  • System reserves — Android reserves part of the memory for updates and cache.

Solution: restart the phone, empty the trash and check hidden folders through a file manager with rights root.

How to transfer applications to a memory card?

The method depends on the version Android:

  • Android 6.0+: Go to Settings → Applications → Select an application → Storage → Edit → SD card.
  • Android 9.0+: Many manufacturers have removed this option. An alternative is to use the card as internal memory (formatting with data loss).
  • Root solution: Applications like App2SD or Link2SD allow you to transfer data to the card without restrictions.

⚠️ Not all applications will work from a memory card - especially games and apps that require quick access to data.

What to do if the phone says “Memory full”, but there are few files?

Probable reasons:

  • System garbage —check the folders /cache and /data/log.
  • File system error —check through TWRP (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Repair File System).
  • Virus —some Trojans create gigabyte-sized hidden files.

Solution: scan your phone with an antivirus (Malwarebytes), clear the cache via Recovery and, if that doesn’t help, reset to factory settings.

Is it possible to use the internal memory of the phone as a USB drive? for PC?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Connect the phone to the PC via USB and select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  • You will be able to copy files, but not all folders will be accessible (for example /data hidden without root).
  • For full access you need rootrights and special drivers (ADB).

⚠️ Do not extract USB cable during data transfer - this can damage the file system!