Owners of budget smartphones, such as Samsung Galaxy A10, often face an annoying problem: the internal memory is full, and it is not possible to free up space using traditional methods it turns out. The Android system categorizes accumulated junk, temporary files, and unidentified data under the general heading “Other.” This partition can occupy tens of gigabytes, significantly slowing down the operation of the device.
You cannot ignore storage fullness, as this leads to application failures, the inability to install updates, and even interface freezes. Clearing the “Other” section is not just deleting files, but a complex process of operating system maintenance, which requires a careful approach to system data.
In this article we will look at proven methods for freeing up space that are suitable specifically for the architecture One UI and Android shell based on Samsung A10. You will learn which files can be deleted without risk to the system, and which are better left alone.
Reasons for the growth of the “Other” section
The phenomenon of rapid growth in the volume of data in the “Other” category on the Samsung A10 is due to the specifics of the operating system. First of all, the cached data applications are to blame. Social networks, instant messengers and browsers save images, videos and temporary files for quick loading, but often forget to delete them.
The second reason is residual files after deleting applications or updating firmware. The system may save old versions of libraries or error logs that are no longer needed but continue to take up space. Also here comes data from the folder Android/data, which are not recognized as media files.
Finally, system logs and debugging files play a role. If the device ever turned on developer mode or crashed, the system could create error reports that are stored in hidden memory sections.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to delete files from system folders through rooted file managers without understanding their purpose. This can lead to the “bricking” of the smartphone.
Basic cleaning through the smartphone settings
The safest and first step that the owner needs to take Samsung A10 is the use of built-in optimization tools. The manufacturer has provided a mechanism that automatically analyzes the storage and suggests deleting what is unnecessary.
First, go to the menu Settings → Device maintenance → Memory. Here the system will show detailed statistics on space use. By clicking on the “Clear Now” button, you will run a script that will delete temporary files and the advertising cache.
However, automation does not always cope with heavy messenger files. You will need to manually go through the list of applications. Go to Settings → Applications, select a “heavy” application (for example, Telegram or YouTube) and click Storage. There will be a “Clear cache” button.
- 🗑️ Deleting temporary files through the built-in optimizer.
- 📱 Manually clearing the cache for each resource-intensive applications.
- 🔄 Reset applications that are not working properly.
- 📂 Check your Downloads folder for forgotten APK installation files.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and One UI skin updates installed on your Samsung A10.
Using developer and debug mode
A more advanced method that allows you to get to hidden system logs requires enabling developer mode. It's not as scary as it seems, but it requires caution. On Samsung A10, this is done through the menu About phone → Software information, where you need to click on “Build number” 7 times.
After enabling developer mode, a new item will appear in the main settings. Find the section System → Developer Options. Here we are interested in the “Keep logs” or “Debug log” option. If it is active, the system constantly records actions, which quickly eats up memory.
Disable logging or clear it. Also in this menu you can find a command to reset all application permissions, which sometimes helps to “clear up” conflicts of data that fall into the “BEFORE” section.
adb shell pm trim-caches 999999999This command, entered through a computer with ADB installed, forcibly trims the cache of all applications to a minimum. This is a powerful tool that really helps when standard methods are powerless.
Storage analysis with third-party utilities
If built-in tools do not give the desired result, specialized analyzer applications come to the rescue. They visualize memory, showing exactly which files are taking up space. For Samsung A10 with its modest amount of memory, this is critical.
Popular utilities such as DiskUsage or Files by Google build a memory map. You will see that the folder WhatsApp/Media/.Statuses or browser cache can weigh several gigabytes. These files are often hidden from normal viewing.
The use of such apps allows you to specifically remove “heavyweights”. You can find forgotten video files in messenger folders, which formally belong to “Other”, since they are not part of the gallery.
Radical measures: Reset and flashing
When software junk takes up a critical amount and interferes with operation, the last argument remains - a full reset. Before clearing “Other” on Samsung A10 using this method, be sure to create a backup copy of your important data.
Factory reset (Wipe data/factory reset) deletes absolutely all user data, settings and, importantly, clears the system partition of accumulated garbage. This returns the phone to its out-of-the-box state.
The procedure is performed through the Recovery menu. To log in to the Samsung A10, you usually need to turn off the phone, then hold down the button combination Volume up + Power (sometimes a USB connection to a PC is required). In the menu, select the item Wipe data/factory reset.
☑️ Preparing for a full reset
⚠️ Attention: After resetting, the phone will be completely clean. Make sure you remember the password for your Google account, otherwise the FRP protection will work and the phone will become a useless brick.
Prevention of memory overflow
To prevent the “Other” problem from returning, it is important to develop the right habits for using your smartphone. Regularly clearing the cache once a month prevents debris from growing. It is also worth disabling autosaving of media files in instant messengers.
Use cloud storage for photos and videos. On the Samsung A10, with its 32 GB of memory (of which about 20 GB is available), every megabyte counts. Transfer large files to a microSD card if your model supports it.
Keep an eye on system updates. Samsung often fixes bugs in security patches and Android updates that lead to memory leaks or incorrect calculation of free space.
Why does the memory fill up on its own over time?
This is often due to the operation of background processes. Applications can cache content that you didn't even open, but that was loaded into the feed preview. Also, system logs can grow due to synchronization errors.
Set a limit on the size of chats in Telegram and WhatsApp. This will automatically delete old media files, making room for new data.
Comparison of cleaning methods
The choice of method depends on your technical background and the amount of free time. Below is a table to help you determine the best method for your situation.
| Method | Efficiency | Risk of data loss | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in optimizer | Low | No | Minimum |
| Clear application cache | Medium | No (only logins) | Low |
| Third-party utilities | High | Medium (user error) | Medium |
| Factory reset | Maximum | Total loss | High |
As you can see from the table, the balance between security and efficiency is best achieved by combining manual cache clearing and the use of disk analyzers. Radical measures should be used only as a last resort.
Regular maintenance of your smartphone takes 5 minutes a week, but eliminates the need to do a full reset every six months.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to delete the Android folder?
No, you absolutely cannot delete the entire folder Android . Application data, caches and settings are stored inside it. Uninstallation will reset all apps and possibly cause the system to become unusable. You can clean only subfolders cache within specific applications.
Why did the space quickly run out again after cleaning?
This may indicate “cyclic logs” - an error in the system or a specific application that constantly creates new error files. Try updating the problematic application or check if there is a beta version of the software that may contain bugs.
Could a virus be the cause of the “Other” section?
Yes, some types of malware disguise themselves as system processes and actively generate garbage or download data in the background. If cleaning does not help, it is recommended to check with an antivirus, for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky.
Does the SD memory card affect the “Other” section?
There is no direct effect, since “Other” is a section of the internal memory. However, if you move apps to an SD card (Adoptable Storage feature, if supported), the amount of internal data will be reduced. On Samsung A10, full transfer of applications is often limited.