Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy are equipped with powerful cameras and support high-resolution video recording, which inevitably leads to rapid filling of internal memory. Users often encounter the “Storage space is running out” notification, which blocks the installation of updates and normal operation of the system. Ignoring this problem can lead to a critical slowdown of the interface One UI and even freezing of applications.
In this material we will analyze in detail all the available ways to free up space, from basic system settings to advanced methods of working with the file system. You'll learn how to safely delete unnecessary data, transfer media files, and use built-in optimization tools that often go unnoticed. Understanding the memory structure of your device is the first step to its long and stable service.
Analyzing memory fullness and searching for large files
Before you start deleting data, you need to understand what exactly is taking up precious gigabytes. The system Android provides a built-in analyzer that visualizes the distribution of space. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Memoryto see a detailed diagram. Here you will immediately notice the categories that consume the most resources: often these are applications, images or system files.
Particular attention should be paid to the “Applications” section. Some apps, especially social networks and instant messengers, can grow to several gigabytes due to the accumulated cache and downloaded media files. When you click on a specific app in the list, you will see a "Clear data" or "Clear cache" button. It is important to distinguish between these concepts: clearing the cache is safe and deletes only temporary files, while clearing data resets the application to factory settings, deleting logins and chat history.
Use the built-in file manager My Files to find duplicates and forgotten downloads. Often installation files Download installation files accumulate .apk from long-deleted apps or documents that are no longer needed are accumulated in the folder. Removing such “digital waste” can instantly free up 500 MB to 2 GB of free space without any risk to the system.
⚠️ Attention: Before mass cleaning the Downloads folder, make sure that there are no important documents, tickets or saved passwords in text format among the files.
Turn on the "Show hidden system files" feature in the file manager settings to find and delete residual folders from deleted applications.
Using the built-in Memory Cleanup tool
The company Samsung has integrated into the shell One UI a powerful automatic optimization tool, which is available in the device maintenance menu. This algorithm scans the system for unused applications, rarely opened files, and malware. Running this utility takes only a couple of minutes, but the result is often impressive for the average user who does not want to understand the intricacies of the file system.
The Clean Up Now function automatically removes background processes and temporary files that are not needed for the current operation of the smartphone. However, it is worth understanding that this solution is temporary: the system will again accumulate a cache during active operation. To achieve a sustainable effect, it is recommended to set up automatic cleaning. In the menu Settings → Device maintenance → Memory you can activate the “Auto-clean” option, which will be triggered when the free space drops below a certain threshold.
The “Unused applications” section deserves special mention. The system suggests deleting apps that you have not used in the last month. This is a great way to get rid of pre-installed software or games that you no longer play. Removing such applications not only frees up space, but also reduces the load on RAM, which has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device.
Regular launch of built-in optimization prevents critical memory filling, but does not replace manual cleaning of heavy media files.
Optimization of messengers and social networks
Messengers like Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber are the main “eaters” of memory on modern smartphones. These apps save all received photos, videos and documents to internal storage by default. Over time, folders with media files of these applications can occupy tens of gigabytes, duplicating content that is already in chats and available for re-downloading from the cloud.
To solve this problem, you need to go to the settings of each messenger separately. The Telegram section Data and memory → Memory usage allows you to set a cache size limit and configure automatic deletion of files that have not been opened for a certain time. This is one of the most effective measures: you can set a timer for 3 days or a week, and the application itself will delete old media, freeing up space on the fly without your participation.
B WhatsApp the situation is similar: go to Settings → Data and storage → Storage management. Here you will see a list of chats sorted by space. You can selectively remove large attachments from specific conversations without losing your conversation history. It is also recommended to disable autosave of media to the phone gallery in the settings of each application to avoid duplicating files.
- 🗑️ Set the cache limit in Telegram to 200-500 MB to balance between speed and saving space.
- 📵 Disable the “Save to Gallery” function in the WhatsApp and Viber settings.
- 🔍 Regularly review the “Storage Management” section in instant messengers once a month.
Do not forget that clearing data inside the application does not delete messages from the server (unless it is a secret chat). You can always re-upload the desired photo or document by clicking on it in the correspondence. This approach allows you to store communication history indefinitely, without filling the device’s memory with physical copies of files.
Transferring data to a memory card and to the cloud
If your internal memory Samsung is limited (for example, 64 or 128 GB), the only radical solution is to transfer data to external media. Most models in the mid-range and budget segment support memory cards of the microSDformat. After installing the card, you can transfer photos, videos, music and documents to it, leaving the internal space exclusively for the system and applications.
To transfer files, use the file manager My Files. Select the desired folders (for example DCIM/Camera for photos), select the "Move" option and specify the path to the memory card SD Card. It is important to move rather than copy files to avoid duplication and double-use of space. After transfer, make sure that in the camera settings you select saving new pictures directly to the memory card.
Cloud storage is an alternative to a physical card. Services like Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or OneDrive allow you to set up automatic uploading of pictures to the Internet and then deleting them from the device. The “Free up space” function in Google Photos automatically deletes from your phone those pictures that have already been successfully uploaded to the cloud, leaving them available for viewing through the app.
⚠️ Attention: The writing speed to a microSD memory card is significantly lower than the speed of the internal UFS memory. Do not install heavy games or applications that require fast loading of data onto the memory card to avoid slowdowns.
Which class of memory card to choose for Samsung?
It is recommended to use U3 or V30 class cards for recording 4K video. Class 10 (C10) cards are only suitable for storing photos and music. Using slow cards can lead to errors when saving snapshots.
Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode
Sometimes standard cleaning methods do not help remove deeply embedded system temporary files that accumulate after major firmware updates. In such cases, recovery mode comes to the rescue. This method is safe for user data (photos, contacts, applications are not deleted), but requires careful adherence to the instructions, since the interface is controlled only by the volume and power buttons. Recovery Mode. This method is safe for user data (photos, contacts, applications are not deleted), but requires careful following of the instructions, since the interface is controlled only by the volume and power buttons.
To enter recovery mode on modern smartphones Samsung often you need to connect the device with a cable to the computer. Turn off the phone, hold down the combination of buttons (usually Volume up + Power or Volume up + Bixby + Power depending on the model) and hold them until the logo appears. In the Recovery menu, select the item Wipe cache partition using the volume buttons and confirm the selection with the power button.
Key combinations to enter Recovery (can differ):1. Turned off phone + USB connected to PC.
2. Hold: Volume UP + Power.
3. Hold until the Samsung logo, then release Power, while continuing to hold Volume.
After completing the process, which usually takes no more than a minute, select the option Reboot system now. The phone will reboot normally. The system may work a little slower for the first few minutes as it re-optimizes applications, but then you will notice an increase in performance and a freeing up of the system partition.
☑️ Preparing to clear the cache
Table: Comparison of memory freeing methods
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have systematized the main cleaning methods according to their effectiveness and complexity of implementation. Some methods give instant but small results, while others take time but free up gigabytes of space.
| Cleanup method | Amount of freed space | Risk of data loss | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deleting application cache | Low (100-500 MB) | None | Low |
| Clearing messengers | High (1-10 GB) | Minimum (media is deleted) | Medium |
| Transfer to SD card | Very high (up to 100% media) | None | Low |
| Reset to factory settings | Maximum (complete clearing) | High (everything is deleted) | High |
| Removing duplicate photos | Medium (500 MB - 5 GB) | Medium (need verification) | Medium |
As can be seen from the table, the most effective methods are working with instant messengers and transferring data. A factory reset (Wipe data/factory reset) should be considered only as a last resort when other methods have been exhausted or the system is unstable due to software errors.
⚠️ Attention: The Recovery menu interface may vary depending on the Android version and device model. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to software cleaning methods within the system.
Before performing a factory reset, be sure to back up your contacts and important files through your Samsung Cloud or Google Drive account.
Preventing memory from filling up in the future
To prevent the problem of low space from returning a month after a thorough cleaning, you need to change your usage habits smartphone. The modern ecosystem Android provides tools for automatic memory control that are worth taking advantage of. Setting up streaming music and videos instead of downloading them will significantly reduce the load on your drive.
Regularly check the “Trash” folder in the gallery and file manager. Deleted files are often kept there for another 30 days, continuing to take up space. Also keep an eye on app updates: older versions sometimes leave behind conflicting files that take up space. Using lite versions of social networking apps can be a great solution for devices with low memory.
Remember that smartphone memory is not a bottomless well. Plan your space usage in advance: if you shoot a lot of 4K video, make sure you have a fast memory card or regularly upload the archive to your computer. A disciplined attitude towards digital waste will extend the life of your device and maintain its performance for many years.
Is it safe to delete the Android folder on a Samsung phone?
No, deleting the entire folder Android is strictly not recommended. It stores application data, cache and configuration files. Deleting this folder will reset all applications, lose game progress, and possibly cause system instability. You can only delete the contents of subfolders cache within specific application directories, if you know exactly what you are doing.
Why is the space not freed up after deleting files?
Most often, files end up in the “Trash” of the gallery or file manager, where they continue to take up space until the storage period expires (usually 30 days). It is also possible that you only deleted shortcuts or links to files, but the data itself remained in the application cache. Try clearing the cache of a specific application or restarting the device to update the memory index.
How to transfer applications to a memory card on Samsung?
Starting with Android 6.0, the ability to transfer applications to an SD card depends on the support of this function by the application developer and the manufacturer's policy. Go to Settings → Applications, select the desired application and check whether the “Change” button is active in the “Storage” section. If there is no button, the transfer is impossible without root access.
What is a .thumbnails file and can it be deleted?
The folder .thumbnails contains thumbnails of your photos for quick display in the gallery. It can grow to several gigabytes. There is no use in deleting the folder itself - the system will create it again. It is better to use special scripts or applications that replace this folder with a stub file, prohibiting the system from writing new data there.
Does full memory affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, it does critically. The UFS type flash memory used by Samsung runs slower when more than 85-90% full. This is due to the peculiarities of data recording: it is more difficult for the system to find free blocks for recording, which leads to interface slowdowns, long opening of applications and failures when shooting video.