How to completely clear the memory on an LG Android phone: from cache to hidden files

Clogged memory on a smartphone LG is a problem that every second user faces. The phone starts to slow down, applications crash, and the system displays an annoying “Memory is full" notification. This is especially true for models with 16–32 GB of internal memory, such as LG G6, LG K40 or LG Stylo 5, where every megabyte counts. But even owners of flagships like LG V60 ThinQ are not immune from garbage that accumulates over time.

Unlike devices of other brands, phones LG have unique features: their own shell LG UX, pre-installed system applications (which cannot always be removed using standard methods) and specific settings for clearing the cache. In this article we will look 7 proven methodshow to free up space on your phone LG —from basic to advanced, including working with hidden folders and optimizing system processes. No universal “tips for all Androids” - only current solutions for your model.

1. Analysis of used memory: what exactly is taking up space?

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand which files they are eating up memory. Phones LG have a built-in analysis tool, but it is often hidden in the depths of the menu. Here's how to find it:

1. Open Settings → General → Storage (on some models the path may differ: Settings → System → Memory).
2. Wait for the diagram to load. Here you will see the distribution of memory by category: Applications, Images, Video, Audio, Cache and Other.
3. Tap on any category to see a detailed list of files (for example, which applications take up the most space).

What to pay attention to:

• 📱 Applications: Often The culprits are instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), social networks (TikTok, Instagram) and games. They store gigabytes of cache and downloaded media.
• 📸 Media files: High-resolution photos (especially from cameras LG V-series) and videos can weigh 10-50 MB each. Check the DCIM i Downloads.
• 🗑️ Otherfolder: Temporary files, system log files and remnants of deleted applications are hidden here. This category often takes up 1-3 GB of “invisible” files. garbage.

If the built-in analysis seems insufficient, use third-party utilities like Files by Google or SD Maid. They will show hidden folders and offer to clean up duplicate files. But remember: some system files. data-i="76">cannot be deleted - this may lead to crashes! LG You cannot delete it - this may lead to failures!

2. Clearing the application and system cache

Cache is temporary files that are created by applications for fast operation. Over time, they accumulate and can occupy up to several gigabytes. On phones LG on phones, the cache is divided into two types:

• Application cache - data of individual apps (for example, downloaded pictures in Instagram or offline maps in Google Maps).
• System cache - shell files LG UX, updates and service information.

How to clear the cache individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications (or Settings → General → Application Manager).
2. Select an application from the list (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
3. Tap Storage → Clear cache. Do not confuse with the "Clear data" button - this will delete all settings and accounts!

For mass clear cache all applications:

1. Open Settings → General → Storage → Internal memory.
2. At the bottom of the screen, find the button Clear cache (on some models it is called Optimize).
3. Confirm the action. This is safe - applications will simply recreate the cache the next time you start.

What about system cache? Clearing it requires a system reboot. cache Recovery Mode:

Turn off the phone

Hold the button Power + Volume down (on some models Power + Volume up)

In the Recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition using the volume buttons

Confirm the selection with the power button

Reboot the phone (Reboot system now)

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⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition s Factory reset! The second option will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all your data.

3. Removing unnecessary applications and LG "bloat"

Phones LG are known for the abundance of pre-installed applications - the so-called "bloat" (from English bloatware). These are apps like LG Health, LG SmartWorld, QSlide or duplicate services Google, which most users do not need. You cannot remove them using standard means, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Disabling unnecessary applications (without root access):

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. In the upper corner, click on the three dots and select Show system ones.
3. Find an unnecessary application (for example, LG Email or QuickMemo+).
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, then the application is critical for the system).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (for advanced users):

If you are ready to connect your phone to the computer, you can remove the bloatware completely using ADB (For Android Debug Bridge). this:

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.app1 # replace com.lge.app1 with the application package
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.app2

The list of packages of pre-installed applications LG can be found on thematic forums (for example, for LG G7 ThinQ or LG V40). But be careful: removing system components can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Application	Package (example)	Can I disable it?
LG SmartWorld	com.lge.smartworld	Yes
LG Health	com.lge.health	Yes
QSlide	com.lge.qslide	Yes (but you will lose the floating windows function)
LG Email	com.lge.email	Yes (if you use Gmail)
LG Home (Launcher)	com.lge.launcher3	No (will lead to interface errors)

⚠️ Attention: On some models LG (for example, LG Velvet or LG Wing) after disabling system applications, icons in the menu may disappear or gestures may stop working. Before experiments, create a backup copy!

4. Optimization of media files: photos, videos and downloads

Media files are the main “eater” of memory. One minute of 4K video from a camera LG V60 weighs about 400 MB, and a photo in the format RAW up to 20 MB each. Here's how to reduce their size:

Step 1: Transfer files to a memory card or cloud

• 📁 Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud. In the application settings, enable Free up space this will delete local copies after backup.
• 💾 Transfer files to SD card (if your phone supports it). To do this, connect your phone to your PC and manually move the folders. DCIM, Downloads and Pictures.

Step 2: Compress photos and videos

Applications like Photo & Picture Resizer or Video Compress allow you to reduce the weight of files without critical loss quality. For example:

• 📸 Photo: reducing the resolution from 4032×3024 to 1920×1080 reduces weight by 4-5 times.
• 🎥 Video: converting from 4K to Full HD (1920×1080) saves up to 70% of space.

Step 3: Removing duplicates and garbage

Use Files by Google or CCleaner to search:

• 🔍 Duplicate photos (for example, screenshots with the same content).
• 🗑️ Old downloads from Downloads (APK files, PDF, archives).
• 🎵 Unneeded audio files (voice messages from instant messengers, ringtones).

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In phones LG the folder LGFOTOCOLLAGE in the internal memory often contains temporary collage files that can be safely deleted.

5. Cleaning hidden folders and temporary files

System Android and shell LG UX create many hidden folders that are not visible in standard Explorer. They store log files, error dumps, update caches and other unnecessary data. Here's where to look for them:

Folder	Path	What can be deleted?
cache	/data/cache or /cache	Temporary update and system cache files
log	/data/log or /log	Error log files (you can delete them, but they will appear again)
thumbnails	/DCIM/.thumbnails	Thumbnails of photos and videos (safe to delete)
LGBackup	/LGBackup	Old backups (if not needed)

How to access hidden ones folders:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and turn on File transfer mode (MTP).
2. In Windows Explorer (or Finder on Mac) enable display of hidden files:
   • 🪟 On Windows: View → Hidden Items.
   • 🍎 On Mac: Command + Shift + . (dot).

Delete the contents of the folders from the table above (except system, efs and other critical ones).

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders efs (contains IMEI and serial numbers) and system —this will lead to loss of network or phone breakdown!

What to do if the folder is not visible data?

The folder /data is only accessible with root access. Without them, you will see it empty or not be able to open it at all. To clean up system junk, use the alternative methods in this article or get root (but this will void your warranty).

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all the previous methods did not help, and the phone still slows down and gives out of memory errors, there remains full reset (hard reset). This will delete all dataincluding applications, photos, contacts and settings, so first:

• 🔄 Make a backup via LG Backup or Google Account.
• 📱 Transfer photos and videos to a PC or memory card.
• 📝 Write down logins and passwords for important accounts (they will not be saved after a reset).

How to reset an LG phone:

1. Open Settings → General → Reset → Factory reset.
2. Select Delete all (on some models you will need to enter a PIN code).
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the phone is frozen or does not respond to commands, you can reset it by Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume down (on LG G-series) or Power + Volume up (on LG K-series).
3. In the Recovery menu select Wipe data/factory reset using the volume buttons.
4. Confirm your selection and wait for completion.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting, the phone will require re-setup, including account linking Google. If you have forgotten the data from it, access to the device will be blocked (protection FRP)!

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Resetting to factory settings is the most radical but effective cleaning method. Use it only if other methods have not helped, as you will lose all unsaved data.

7. Optimizing the system to prevent filling up memory

To prevent the problem from recurring, set up your phone so that it automatically controls memory:

Settings to save space:

• 📲 B Settings → General → Storage enable option Memory optimization (if available).
• 📷 In the camera, reduce the resolution of photos and videos:
  • Enough for everyday shots 12 MP instead of 16 MP.
  • Shoot video in Full HD (1080p) instead 4Kif professional photography is not needed.
• 🗃️ In Google Photos enable Free up space and set up automatic deletion of backups older than 60 days.

Applications for automatic cleaning:

• 🧹 Files by Google: removes junk, duplicates and offers to free up space.
• 🛡️ SD Maid: deep cleaning of system files (requires caution).
• 📊 DiskUsage: visualizes which files take up the most space.

Disable automatic downloads:

Many applications (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) automatically download media files to the gallery. To stop this:

• IN WhatsApp: Settings → Storage and data → Autoload media → disable photo/video downloading.
• V Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoload media → select Never.

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On phones LG with Android 10 and higher there is a function Adaptive memory in the developer settings, enable it so that the system automatically deletes it. unused files.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on LG

Is it possible to clear memory on LG without losing data?

Yes, if you use the methods from sections 2–5 (clearing cache, deleting garbage, transferring files). A full reset (section 6) will delete everything, so it should be used only as a last resort.

Why does the memory quickly fill up again after clearing the cache?

Caches are temporary files, and applications create them again when used. To slow down this process:

• Limit background activity of applications. in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
• Uninstall or disable unnecessary apps (section 3).
• Use Lite version applications (for example, Facebook Lite instead of the usual Facebook).

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

If the phone is stuck on the logo or does not respond, try:

1. Boot into Safe Mode (hold the power button, then long tap on Turn off → Safe Mode). In this mode, remove problematic applications.
2. Reset via Recovery Mode (section 6).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and manually delete files through the explorer (if the PC sees it).

If all else fails, contact the service center - the problem may be a hardware memory failure.

What files can be safely deleted from an LG phone?

Safely delete:

• Folder contents Download, DCIM/.thumbnails, LGBackup (if backups are not needed).
• Application cache (but not data!).
• APK files from the folder Download (application installation files).
• Old updates in the folder /cache.

Do not delete:

• Folders system, efs, vendor.
• Files with the extension .odex or .apk in system folders.
• Any files whose name begins with persist or radio.

Does a memory card help solve the problem of low memory?

A memory card (SD-card) helps, but not in all cases:

• ✅ Help, if you transfer photos, videos, music and some applications to it (via Settings → Applications → Move to SD).
• ❌ Will not help, if applications do not support transfer to the card (many games and instant messengers store data only in internal memory).
• ⚠️ On phones LG with Android 6.0+, the memory card can work in mode Portable Storage (only for media) or Internal Storage (expansion of internal memory, but requires formatting).

The best option is to use a class card A2 (for applications) or U3 (for 4K video).