Smartphone memory Samsung fills up faster than it seems: high-resolution photos, application caches, temporary files and duplicates take up gigabytes of space. Even if you regularly remove unnecessary apps, the system continues to be cluttered with background processes. As a result, the phone starts to slow down, applications crash, and the notification "Not enough memory" appears at the most inopportune moment.

In this article - 7 proven cleaning methods phones Samsung Galaxy (including models S23 Ultra, A54, Note 20, S21 FE etc.). We will look at how to remove garbage manually, what tools it offers itself Android 13/14, and what to do if standard methods do not help. All instructions are adapted to the proprietary shell One UI 5.1/6.0 —without the risk of damaging the system or losing important data.

1. Built-in Samsung tools: cleaning through "Device Care"

The manufacturer has integrated into One UI a powerful optimization tool - the "Device caresection". It analyzes memory, finds unnecessary files and offers to delete them in one click. To use the function:

  1. Open Settings → Device care.
  2. Tap "Memory" (or "Storage" depending on the version One UI).
  3. Wait for the analysis to complete (usually takes 10-30 seconds).
  4. Click "Clear" next to the categories "Unnecessary files", "Duplicates" or "Application cache".

The tool automatically deletes:

  • 🗑️ Temporary files and cache (including data from Google Play Services and Samsung Cloud).
  • 📁 Duplicates of photos and documents (compares by checksums).
  • 🎮 Residual files of deleted games (for example, cache Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact).
  • 📥 Downloads older than 30 days (if they have not been opened).

⚠️ Attention: The "Deep cleaning" function (in some models) may delete authorization data in applications. After using it, you may need to re-enter logins/passwords in WhatsApp, VKontakte or banking applications.

📊 How often do you clear the memory on your phone?
Once per week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
I never clean

2. Manual cleaning: what can be removed without risk

Built-in tools do not always cope with "digital trash". For example, they may miss:

  • 📸 Screenshots and recorded screens (lie in /Pictures/Screenshots).
  • 🎵 Audio files from instant messengers (voices from Telegram or WhatsApp).
  • 📄 PDF and DOCXdownloaded from mail or browser.
  • 🎮 OBB files games (weigh 1-2 GB each).

To clear them manually:

  1. Open the application "My files" (Samsung My Files).
  2. Go to the section "Categories" → "Images", "Audio" or "Documents".
  3. Sort files by date (from old to new) and delete unnecessary.

To delete OBB files (game cache):

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select a game (for example, PUBG Mobile or Honor of Kings).
  3. Click "Storage" → "Clear cache" and "Delete data".
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If the game requires re-downloading the data after clearing the cache, check the folder Android/obb - sometimes there are files with the extension .obbthat can be deleted manually.

3. application cache: when and how to do it

The cache speeds up the operation of apps, but over time it grows to gigabytes. For example, Facebook can accumulate up to 500 MB cache, and Google Chrome - up to 1 GB. You need to clear it if:

  • 📱 The application has become slow to open.
  • 🔄 Errors like "Not enough memory" or "The application has stopped".
  • 📊 In the "Storage" section you can see that the cache occupies >500 MB.

Cleaning instructions:

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

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse "Clear cache" and "Delete data". The second action will reset all application settings (for example, in WhatsApp chats will be deleted if a backup is not made).

Application Average cache size Can it be cleared Consequences
Google Chrome 300–1000 MB Yes Bookmarks and history will be saved, but pages will take longer to load when first opened.
Facebook 200–500 MB Yes Photos in the feed will be loaded again.
WhatsApp 100–300 MB Yes Media files (photos/videos) will not be deleted, but chat previews will be updated.
Spotify 500 MB–1 GB Yes Downloaded songs will be deleted, but the playlists will be saved.
Games (PUBG, Genshin) 1–3 GB Only if the game lags You will have to download updates again (up to 5 GB of traffic).

4. Removing duplicates and similar files

Photos, screenshots and documents are often duplicated - especially if you use Google Photos, Samsung Gallery messengers at the same time. in:

  • 📸 Folder DCIM/Camera (original).
  • 🖼️ Folder Pictures/Screenshots (screenshot of this photo).
  • 📲 Folder WhatsApp/Media (version sent to chat).

To find and delete duplicates:

  1. Open "Gallery" (Samsung Gallery).
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) → "File management" → "Duplicates".
  3. View groups of similar files and choose which ones to delete.

For documents and music, use the application "My files":

  1. Go to the section "Analysis" → "Duplicates".
  2. Mark unnecessary copies and click "Delete".

The original photos are saved in the cloud (Google Photos/Samsung Cloud)|

Important documents are on the PC or flash drive|

Music/video are not linked to playlists in applications|

Screenshots do not contain important information (passwords, codes)-->

5. Cleaning downloads and temporary files

Folder Download (or "Downloads") is the main source of garbage there. accumulate:

  • 📄 PDF contracts and tickets (outdated).
  • 🎵 MP3 files from VK Music or YouTube.
  • 📦 APK files (application installation packages).
  • 🖼️ Pictures from social networks.

How to clear:

  1. Open "My files" → "Downloads".
  2. Sort by date (from old to new).
  3. Select unnecessary files and click "Delete".

To automate the process:

  1. In "My files" click ⋮ → "Settings".
  2. Enable the "Auto-cleaning downloads" option (deletes files older than 30 days).
What to do if the file is not deleted?

If the system writes "The file is used", close all applications that may block it (for example, Google Drive or VLCIf this does not help, restart the phone and reboot). try again. As a last resort, use ES Explorer with root access (but this is risky for beginners).

6. (microSD)

If the phone has a slot for microSD, transferring data to it will help free up internal memory. However, Samsung has limitations:

  • 📱 Starting from Android 11, you cannot. transfer applications to an SD card (media files only).
  • 🔄 Format cards exFAT work faster, but not all models support them.
  • ⚠️ Cheap cards (Class 4/6) slow down 4K video recording.

How to transfer files:

  1. Insert the card and format it through Settings → Device care → Storage → SD card.
  2. Open "My files" → select files (photos, videos, music).
  3. Click "Move" and select SD card.

⚠️ Attention: Do not store files that you frequently edit on the SD card (for example, documents Word or projects LightroomThe read/write speed of memory cards is lower than that of the internal drive.

7. Resetting to factory settings: a last resort

If the phone is full and standard methods do not help, it remains hard reset (resetting to factory settings) including: all data, including:

  • 📱 Applications and their settings.
  • 📸 Photos, videos, music (if not saved in the cloud).
  • 📋 Contacts, SMS, call log (if not synchronized c Google).

How to reset:

  1. Create a backup via Settings → Accounts and backup → Backup and recovery.
  2. Go to Settings → General → Reset.
  3. Select "Reset data" → "Reset".
  4. Enter the PIN code and confirm the action.

After resetting the phone will be like new - but for the first 2-3 days it may work slower than usual. This is normal: the system indexes files and optimizes performance.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to completely remove viruses and system junk, but you should use it only if other methods have not helped.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning Samsung memory

Is it possible? clear the system application cache (for example, Android System or Samsung Knox)?

Clear the system application cache possible, but this rarely gives much space (usually 50-200 MB). Be careful with:

  • com.sec.android.app.launcher (launcher One UI) - after cleaning, the icons on the desktop may be reset.
  • com.samsung.android.knox - responsible for security, cleaning may cause errors during use Samsung Pay.

It is better to clear the cache only if the phone is noticeable slow.

Why does the memory quickly fill up again after cleaning?

Reasons:

  1. Automatic application updates (especially games). data-i="296">or Google Play.
  2. Photo synchronization With Google Photos or Samsung Cloud in original quality.
  3. Background activity of messengers (Telegram and WhatsApp download media automatically).

Solution: check the auto-download settings in each application.

How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on?

If Samsung does not respond to the power button:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB and try to open the internal memory (if unlocking is not required).
  2. Use recovery mode: 
    1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).

    2. Hold Power + Volume Up until the logo appears Android.
    

    3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition.

  3. For a complete reset, select Factory reset (will delete all data).

⚠️ If the phone is not detected by the PC, you will need a service center.

Which applications for cleaning memory really work?

Third-party "cleaners" often collect data instead of helping. From the tested ones:

  • Files by Google - finds large and unnecessary files, but does not remove system junk.
  • SD Maid (requires root) - cleans residual files and databases.
  • CCleaner —works, but aggressively deletes the cache (can slow down applications after cleaning).

It is better to use built-in tools Samsung.

How much memory should remain free for the phone to work properly?

Minimum recommendations:

  • 1–2 GB —the phone will work, but lags are possible.
  • 3–5 GB —optimal for most tasks.
  • 10+ GB —ideal if you play heavy games or edit video.

If free <500 MB, Android will start to force close applications.