Manually cleaning Android of unnecessary files: a complete guide 2026

Even the most productive smartphone on Android over time begins to “slow down” due to accumulated digital garbage. Applications leave behind temporary files, the cache grows to gigantic proportions, and the system creates duplicate photos and documents. As a result, 16 or 32 GB of internal memory melt before our eyes, and the device works slower than after purchase.

Many users are accustomed to relying on “magic” cleaning applications - but they often remove the wrong things, or even turn out to be viruses. Manual cleaning much more effective: you control exactly what is deleted, and do not risk losing important data. In this guide we will look at which files can be safely deleted manually, and which ones should not be touched - even if they take up a lot of space. You will learn where to look for hidden garbage, how to clear the cache without harming applications, and why the standard “Clear data” in the settings is not always the best solution.

All instructions are relevant for modern versions Android 12–15 (including Samsung One UI, Xiaomi HyperOS, Oppo ColorOS and clean Android from Google Pixel). If you have an older firmware, some menu items may be slightly different - but the general logic remains the same.

1. What can be deleted and what cannot: a safe checklist

Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand: not all “large” files are garbage. For example, a folder Android/obb can weigh several gigabytes, but it cannot be deleted - game data is stored there (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile). But the cache Telegram or VKontakte often swells to incredible sizes and can be safely cleaned.

This is what can be deleted without risk:

• 🗑️ Application cache (folders cache in app directories).
• 📁 Downloads (Download) - if you do not use old files.
• 🔄 Duplicates of photos/videos (created during editing or backup copying).
• 📦 APK files (application installation packages after installation).
• 🗃️ Logs and dumps (folders logs, dumpstate, bugreports).

And this you cannot delete (if you are not 100% sure):

• 🚫 Folders Android/obb and Android/data — data of games and applications.
• 🚫 System files in /system or /vendor (root access is required for access).
• 🚫 Files with the extension .db or .sqlite — databases applications.
• 🚫 Folders DCIM/.thumbnails —photo thumbnails (delete them, and the gallery will take a long time to rebuild).

⚠️ Attention: If you use MIUI or FlymeOS, be careful with the folder MIUI or Theme their themes are stored there. Deleting them can reset the appearance of the system to the standard one.

2. Clearing the application cache: when and how to do it

Caches are temporary files that applications create to speed up work. For example, YouTube caches videos so that they load faster when viewed again, and Google Maps saves maps offline. clean your cache yourself, and it grows to gigantic proportions.

How to check which applications take up the most cache space:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Tap on the application and select Memory (or Storage).
4. Here you will see two parameters: Data (your settings and progress in games) and Cache (temporary files).

The cache can be cleared in two ways:

• 🧹 Optional: Go to the settings of each application and click Clear cache. This is safe and will not delete your data.
• 🔥 Bulk: Some firmwares (for example Samsung) have an option Clear the cache of all applications in the menu Storage. But be careful: after this, some apps (for example, Spotify) will take longer to load.

Close all background applications

Check free space on the device

Back up important data (for example, game saves)

Remember account passwords (some applications may exit account)-->

Some applications (for example, Telegram or VKontakte) allow you to configure automatic cache clearing. To do this:

1. V Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Storage → Clear cache.
2. V VKontakte: Settings → General → Clear cache.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache Google Play Services or Google Play Market may lead to service failures Google. Do this only if you notice problems with updates or authorization.

3. Removing unnecessary files from the Download folder

Folder Download (or Downloads) is one of the most littered places on your smartphone:

• 📄 Documents from mail or instant messengers.
• 🎵 Music and videos from social networks.
• 📦 APK files of installed (and deleted) applications.
• 📊 Exported data (for example, chat histories from WhatsApp).

To clear this folder:

1. Open any file manager (for example, Files by Google, Total Commander or standard Explorer).
2. Go to Internal memory → Download (or Downloads).
3. Sort files by date (By date → Old first) and delete what is not necessary.

Pay special attention to files with extensions:

If you often download files from the Internet, set up automatic saving to the cloud (for example, Google Drive or Yandex DiskThis will save space on your device and can delete downloads immediately after viewing.

4. Finding and removing duplicate photos, videos and documents

Duplicates are one of the main reasons for low memory. They appear when:

• 📱 You take screenshots (they are saved in both DCIM/Screenshotsand Pictures/Screenshots).
• 🔄 You edit photos in Google Photos or Snapseed (copies are created with suffix _edited).
• ☁️ Automatic backup to the cloud is enabled (files are duplicated locally and on the network).
• 📤 Transfer files between devices via ShareIt or Xender (copies remain in the folders of these applications).

To find and remove duplicates:

1. Use specialized applications:
   • Files by Google (tab Cleaning → Duplicate files).
   • Duplicate Files Fixer (allows you to search by content, not just by name).
   • CCleaner (there is a duplicate search function).

adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/data/com.package.name
rm -rf /data/app/com.package.name*

If all else fails, all that remains is Factory Reset (reset to factory settings) via Recovery Mode. All data will be deleted!