Owners Samsung Galaxy J7 (including models J7 2015 (J700H), J7 2016 (J710F) i J7 Prime) often face the problem of lack of memory, even if the device is used carefully. The reason is not only the accumulation of user files, but also system junkremnants of deleted applications, messenger caches and duplicate media files. In this article - 7 working methodshow to clear your phone's memory without losing important data, including hidden functions Android 5.1/6.0/7.0that run J7.

Feature Samsung J7 — limited amount of internal memory (8–16 GB), of which the system takes up to 5–7 GB out of the box. Even after migrating applications to SD card many processes still use internal storage. We will look at not only the standard methods (clearing the cache, deleting files), but also: disabling unnecessary system services, working with advanced techniques: disabling unnecessary system services, working with ADB and manually cleaning folders through the file manager. All methods are tested on real devices and do not require root access.

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

Before clearing memory, you need to understand which files it is being filled. There are built-in tools and third-party utilities for this. Start with the system analyzer: Samsung J7 There are built-in tools and third-party utilities for this. Start with a system analyzer:

  1. Go to Settings → Device → Memory (or Storage depending on the Android version).
  2. Wait for the chart to load (may take up to 1 minute).
  3. Click on any section (for example Applications, Images) to see details.

Typical "picture" on a jammed one J7:

  • 📱 System data (3–5 GB): update cache, log files, temporary data.
  • 🎵 Media files (2–4 GB): duplicate photos from messengers, downloaded music.
  • 📦 Remaining applications (1–3 GB): folders of uninstalled apps in /data/data.
  • 🔄 Google cache Play (up to 1 GB): installer and update files.

For a more detailed analysis, use the free application Files by Google (available in Play Market). It shows:

  • 📁 Folders with duplicates photos and videos.
  • 🗑️ Large files (for example, downloaded movies).
  • 📥 Unused applications (not opened for >3 months).
📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never cleared

2. Clearing cache and application data

Caches are temporary files that applications create to speed up their work. On Samsung J7 the cache can take up to 2–3 GB, especially if social networks (Facebook, Instagram, instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and games are actively used. It can be removed without harming the operation of apps.

Method 1: Clear the cache for all applications at once

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → Sort by size.
  3. Select application → Memory → Clear cache.

Method 2: Automatic cleaning via Smart Manager (Samsung proprietary utility):

  1. Launch the application Smart Manager (icon with a gear wheel and a brush).
  2. Go to tab Memory.
  3. Click Clear (will delete cache and temporary files).

Important! Do not confuse Clear cache i Clear data. The second option will delete all application settings (for example, chats in WhatsApp or saves in games).

Clear cache in Google Play Market|Delete data in the "Gallery" (thumbnails)|Clear the cache in Chrome|Delete downloads from Telegram-->

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung J7 with Android 5.1/6.0, after clearing the cache of some system applications (for example, com.sec.android.app.launcher), the arrangement of icons on the desktop may be lost table. To return everything to the way it was, reboot your phone.

3. Removing unnecessary applications and their remains

Even after deleting applications, their folders with settings and cache remain on J7 . They take up from 10 to 500 MB per application. To remove them completely: Step 1: Remove unused apps data-i="131">Size

Step 1: Remove unused apps

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Sort by Size or Last used.
  3. Select an unnecessary application → Delete.

Step 2: Clean up leftovers through the file manager

Use Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer (with root access not required):

  1. Open the folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data.
  2. Delete folders with the names of deleted applications (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

Step 3: Disable pre-installed Samsung applications

Some system apps (S Voice, Samsung Pay Mini, Game Launcher) cannot be removed, but can be disabled:

  1. In Settings → Applications find necessary.
  2. Click Disable (not Uninstall updates!).
Application Size (approximate) Can it be disabled?
S Voice ~150 MB Yes
Samsung Knox ~80 MB No (system security)
Game Launcher ~120 MB Yes
Bixby (if available) ~200 MB Yes
💡

Before disabling system applications, check whether you are using their functions. For example, Samsung Health may be associated with the step sensor, even if you do not use it.

4. Transferring data to an SD card

Samsung J7 supports microSD 256 GB (depending on the model). Transferring files and applications to a memory card will help free up internal storage. However, there are nuances:

  • 📱 Applications can be transferred only partially (not all support this function).
  • 📁 Photos, videos, music are transferred completely.
  • ⚠️ After removing the SD card, the transferred applications will stop working.

How to transfer files:

  1. Connect the SD card (if not already inserted).
  2. Open My files (or any file manager).
  3. Select files → Move → select the SD card.

How to transfer applications:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select a app → Memory → Change (if the option is active).
  3. Click SD card and confirm the transfer.
⚠️ Attention: On Samsung J7 with Android 6.0+, transferring applications to SD works via function Adoptable Storage, which formats the card as internal memory. After this, the card cannot be used in other devices! Data backup is mandatory.
What to do if the phone does not see the SD card?

If Samsung J7 does not recognize the memory card:

1. Restart the phone.

2. Remove and reinsert the card (check the contacts).

3. Format the card via your phone: Settings → Memory → SD card → Format.

4. If the card is damaged, try it on another device.

5. Cleaning system folders manually

Some folders on Samsung J7 are clogged with garbage, but are not displayed in the standard file manager. To clean them you will need FX File Explorer or Root Explorer (without root access).

What folders can be cleaned:

  • 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb —game files (can be deleted if games are deleted).
  • 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Download —downloads from browser.
  • 📂 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — photo thumbnails (can be deleted).
  • 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Bluetooth — files received via Bluetooth.

How to clear the system update cache:

Folder /cache can take up to 1 GB. To clear it:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold Volume up + Home + Powerto enter Recovery Mode.
  3. Select Wipe cache partition (control - volume buttons, selection - power button).
  4. Reboot the phone (Reboot system now).
💡

Cleaning the folder /cache via Recovery does not delete user data, but can speed up the phone if it starts to slow down.

6. Using ADB for deep cleaning

For experienced users: using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) you can remove system junk that is not available through standard settings. This is relevant if Samsung J7 there is less than 500 MB of free space left.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • 🔌 USB cable (original).
  • 🛠️ Utility ADB (download from official Android website).

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → Build Number (tap 7 times) → go back to Settings → Developer Options → USB Debugging.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm your trust in the computer.
  3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and run the commands: 
    adb shell

    pm clear com.android.providers.downloads
    

    pm clear com.google.android.gms
    

    pm clear com.android.vending

    This will clear the cache Google Play Services and Download Manager.

What commands help clear place:

Command What clears Saving space
pm clear com.android.providers.media Media cache (thumbnails, metadata) 100–300 MB
rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* Temporary files of system processes 50–200 MB
pm clear com.sec.android.app.launcher Launcher cache (resets icons on the desktop) 20–50 MB
⚠️ Attention: Commands rm -rf without specifying the correct path can delete critical system files. Use only the examples above!

7. Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If after all manipulations Samsung J7 there is less than 1 GB of free space left, and the phone is lagging - help Hard Reset. This will delete all data, including applications, photos and settings, so first:

  • 📤 Make a backup copy on PC or cloud (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud).
  • 📝 Write down logins/passwords for accounts.
  • 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%.

How to reset:

  1. Go to Settings → Backup and reset → Reset data.
  2. Select Reset device and confirm.
  3. After reboot, configure the phone as new.

Alternative method (if the phone does not turn on):

  1. Enter Recovery Mode (Volume up + Home + Power).
  2. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
  3. Confirm the action and reboot.
💡

After the reset Samsung J7 it will work faster, but all data will be lost. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory

Is it possible to clear memory on a Samsung J7 without losing it? photo?

Yes. Transfer photos to an SD card or computer, and then delete them from the internal memory. Also check the folder DCIM/.thumbnails —thumbnails are stored there, which can be safely deleted.

Why does the space take up again after clearing the cache?

Cache - temporary files that applications are created anew when used. To slow down its accumulation, limit the background activity of apps in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.

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

Connect Samsung J7 to a PC and use app Samsung Smart Switch to backup data. Then perform a reset via Recovery Mode (see section 7).

Is it possible to increase the internal memory on the Samsung J7?

Physically, no, but you can expand the storage using an SD card by formatting it as internal. memory (function Adoptable Storage in Android 6.0+). Please note that after this the card cannot be used in other devices.

What applications are best not to delete on Samsung J7?

Do not delete system services: Samsung Knox, Google Play Services, Android System WebView. errors in the phone's operation.