Backup storage on Android is a hidden folder where the system and applications save temporary copies of data, a cache of updates and backups of settings. Over time, it grows to several gigabytes, taking up precious space on the internal storage. The problem is especially acute on budget smartphones with 32–64 GB of memory, where every megabyte counts.

Unlike ordinary garbage, which is cleared by standard means, files from the backup storage (/data/backup or /sdcard/Android/backup) often go unnoticed. They are not visible in the gallery, they are not displayed in the default file manager, and the system does not offer to delete them automatically. Meanwhile, outdated backups of applications that you deleted long ago, or duplicate media files from cloud services may be stored here.

In this article, we will look at how to safely clear backup storage on Android devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands - both manually and using specialized tools. We will also tell you which files can be deleted without risk to the system, and which are better left.

What is backup storage on Android and why it gets clogged

Backup storage (backup storage) is a protected memory area where Android stores:

  • 📱 Local application backups (created via adb backup or built-in functions like Samsung Smart Switch)
  • 🔄 Temporary update files (for example, OTA firmware or application updates from Google Play)
  • ☁️ Cloud services cache (synchronized data from Google Drive, Mi Cloud etc.)
  • 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, launcher configurations)

Main reason fillings - automatic backupsthat are created without notifying the user. For example, when reinstalling an application or resetting the settings, the system can save its data “just in case.” cloud services: Google Photos sometimes duplicating media files in hidden folders, and WhatsApp storing backups of chats for years. data-i="55">automatic backups

On devices with Android 10+ some of the backups have been moved to a section /data/misc/backup, which is not accessible without root access. you can free up 1–5 GB by deleting unnecessary files from available folders.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the backup storage with the folder Download or application cache. Deleting files from here will not clear the cache YouTube or Instagram —this requires other methods.
📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never clearing

How to check how much space the backup storage takes up

Before clearing, you need to understand exactly how much space the backups take up. The methods depend on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell.

Method 1: Through the storage settings (Android 9–14)

Open Settings → Storage (or Memory). In some firmwares (for example, MIUI or One UI), you must first tap on the "Other applications" or "System data" section. data-i="79">Settings → Storage

  • 📁 "Backups" (backup)
  • 🔄 "Temporary files" (temp, cache)
  • ☁️ "Cloud data" (cloud sync)

On Samsung Galaxy the path may look like this: Settings → Device care → Memory → Advanced → Backups. On Xiaomi — Settings → Memory → Categories → System data.

Method 2: Through the file manager (requires access to hidden folders)

Use Solid Explorer, FX File Manager or the built-in explorer with the display hidden files mode enabled. Go to the path:

/sdcard/Android/backup/

/data/backup/ (requires. root)


/data/data/com.android.providers.backup/ (system backups)

Pay attention to files with extensions .bak, .backup, .ab (Android Backup) and folders like backup_20231015 (creation dates). Their size can reach hundreds. megabyte.

Folder/file What it stores Is it possible to delete
/sdcard/Android/backup/ Local backups of applications Yes, if you do not plan to restore
/data/backup/ System backups Only with root, be careful!
*.ab files Backups via adb backup Yes, if not needed for recovery
com.google.android.apps.restore/ Data for recovery after reset Deleting is not recommended
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI 12+) access to system folders is limited even for file managers. In this case, only ADB or will help. root.

How to clear the backup storage without root access

If you do not have superuser rights, you can free up space in the following ways:

Method 1: Delete through settings (the safest)

Most devices have a built-in option for clearing backups:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Backup (or Accounts and synchronization → Google).
  2. Tap on your account and select "Manage backups".
  3. Delete unnecessary copies of applications (for example, data Telegram or Viberif you haven't had them for a long time used).

On Samsung the path is different: Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery → Archives. Here you can delete local backups created through Smart Switch.

Method 2: Cleaning through a file manager

If there is no deletion option in the settings, do it manually:

Install a file manager with access to hidden folders (for example, Solid Explorer)

Turn on display of hidden folders files in the manager settings

Go to the folder /sdcard/Android/backup/

Delete files with extensions .bak, .ab, or folders with dates older than 6 months

Reboot the device -->

Be careful: delete files with names com.android.providers.settings or system_backup - this may lead to system failures.

Method 3: Resetting the backup cache

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10) helps reset the backup service cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
  2. Find "Google Services Play" or "Google Backup Transport".
  3. Tap "Storage and cache" → "Clear cache".

This method will not delete the backups themselves, but will clear temporary files, which can take up to 1-2 GB.

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If after cleaning the space is not freed up, check the folder /sdcard/Android/data/com.google.android.apps.restore/ - there may be duplicate backups here.

Cleaning backup storage using ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods did not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) —a debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without root. You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging)
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original)

Next follow the instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check connections: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  3. Get a list of backups: 
    adb shell bmgr list backups
  4. Delete unnecessary copies by their token (replace TOKEN to a real identifier from the list): 
    adb shell bmgr delete TOKEN

To clear the system backup cache, use:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.backup
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands can damage the system if entered incorrectly. Do not delete backups with tokens containing system or settings —this is critical data.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Make sure USB debugging is enabled and you have confirmed a trusted connection on your phone.

2. Try a different USB cable (some charging cables do not transfer data).

3. Install drivers for your smartphone model (for example, Samsung requires Samsung USB Driver).

4. Reboot your phone and PC, then reconnect.

How to clear backup storage on rooted devices

If you have root access, you can even delete system backups that are usually inaccessible. The most effective tools:

  • 🛠️ Root Explorer — a file manager with access to /data i /system
  • 🧹 SD Maid —a utility for deep cleaning, including backups
  • 🔍 Titanium Backup —allows you to manage backups applications

Instructions for Root Explorer:

  1. Open the application and provide root access.
  2. Go to /data/backup/ or /data/data/com.android.providers.backup/.
  3. Delete files with extensions .bak, .ab, or folders like backup_*.
  4. Clear the backup service cache: 
    rm -rf /data/data/com.android.providers.backup/cache/*

In SD Maid select the module "CorpseFinder" —it will find residual files from remote applications, including their backups. In Titanium Backup you can manually delete unnecessary copies in the "Backups" section..

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /data/backup/ may lead to loss of the ability to restore the system after a reset. Before cleaning, create a fresh backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
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On rooted devices, you can free up to 3-7 GB by deleting system backups and Google services cache. However, this is risky - always make a backup copy before cleaning.

How to disable automatic backup

To prevent the backup storage from becoming clogged again, you can limit the automatic creation of backups. This will not disable critical copies (for example, contacts or Wi-Fi passwords), but will reduce the amount of unnecessary data.

Disabling Google backups

Do the following:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
  2. Disable the slider "Backup to Google Drive".
  3. Tap "Manage backups copies" and delete unnecessary application data.

On Android 12+ you can also limit backups for individual applications:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, WhatsApp or VK).
  3. Tap "Backup and recovery" and disable the option.

Disabling manufacturer backups

Different brands have their own services backup:

  • 📱 Samsung: Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery → disable "Auto-archive".
  • 📱 Xiaomi: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → disable synchronization.
  • 📱 Huawei: Settings → Accounts → Cloud → Backup → select "Disable".

After shutdown, check the folder /sdcard/Android/backup/ after 1-2 weeks - if it is not replenished, it means the settings were applied successfully.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When cleaning the backup storage, users often encounter problems. Let's consider common errors and their solutions:

Error Cause Solution
Cannot delete files in /data/backup/ No root access or permissions Use ADB or get root
After cleaning, the space was not freed The files are occupied by the system process Reboot the device
The smartphone began to work slower Critical system backups were deleted Recover data via TWRP or reset settings
The folder is not displayed Android/backup/ Hidden files are disabled in the manager Enable the display of hidden folders in Explorer settings

Another common problem is reappearance of files after cleaning. This happens due to automatic synchronization with the cloud. To avoid:

  • 🔄 Disable auto-sync in your Google account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization).
  • ☁️ Delete unnecessary data from Google Drive (section "Backups").
  • 📱 For WhatsApp and Telegram disable local backup in application settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Pixel or Nokia with pure Android) disabling Google backups may lead to the loss of call and SMS history after resetting. Before doing this, export important data manually.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to clear the backup storage without a computer?

Yes, most methods do not require PC. You can:

  • Delete backups through Google settings (Settings → Google → Backup).
  • Empty folder /sdcard/Android/backup/ via file manager.
  • Use applications like Files by Google (section "Cleaning").

ADB and root methods are needed only for deep cleaning of system partitions.

Why, after clearing the backup storage, the space is taken up again?

This happens due to:

  • Automatic backups (Google or the manufacturer).
  • Cloud service cache (Google Photos, Dropbox).
  • Temporary update files (for example, after an Android update).

Solution: disable automatic backup in the settings and check the folder regularly /Android/backup/.

Is it possible to restore data after clearing the backup storage?

Depends on what exactly was deleted:

  • Local application backups (.ab files) - cannot be restored.
  • Cloud copies (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) - can be restored within 30-60 days via the service web interface.
  • System backups (/data/backup/) - you can only restore through TWRP or a complete reset.

If you deleted something important, try data recovery apps (DiskDigger, Recuva), but the chances are low.

How to clear backup storage on Samsung with One UI?

On devices Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 or A53):

  1. Open Settings → Device care → Memory.
  2. Tap "Advanced" → "Backups".
  3. Delete unnecessary archives created through Smart Switch.
  4. To clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Smart Switch → Storage → Clear cache.

Also check the folder /sdcard/SmartSwitchBackup/ - there may be old backups here.

Is it safe to use cleaning applications (for example, CCleaner)?

Applications like CCleaner, Clean Master or Avast Cleanup can clear part backup storage, but:

  • ✅ They will delete cache and temporary files backups.
  • ❌ They cannot clean system backups in /data/backup/ without root.
  • ⚠️ Risk: some "cleaners" delete useful data or show false warnings about “critical errors”.

Recommendation: use Files by Google or SD Maid (for root users) - they are safer.