Freeing up memory on Android to install Genshin Impact

Mobile versions of modern open-world games require enormous resources, and Genshin Impact here is no exception. After each major update, the size of the installation package and additional resources grows, occupying tens of gigabytes. Users are often faced with a situation where there is not enough free space to launch or update a game, although the phone does not seem to be full.

The Android system is more complex than it seems at first glance, and standard deletion of applications does not always free up the required space. File fragmentationhidden cache of messengers and system logs can take up space that you are not even aware of. To successfully install the game, you need to carry out a comprehensive cleaning of the device, affecting both user data and system partitions.

In this guide, we will look at safe and effective methods for freeing up disk space. You will learn to find hidden files, clear the cache without losing important data, and optimize storage so that Genshin Impact works stably and the system does not slow down.

Analyzing disk space and searching for large files

The first step should always be an accurate diagnosis. Don't blindly delete files and hope for luck. Modern Android shells, such as MIUI, OneUI or ColorOShave built-in analyzers, but they often hide details or offer to remove only the obvious.

You need to identify memory hogs. Often this is not the game itself, but garbage content accumulated over the years in instant messengers or forgotten high-definition video files. Use built-in tools or third-party utilities to visualize the folder structure.

Pay attention to the "Other" or "System Files" section. There may be up to 10-15 GB of data hidden there that can be safely deleted. These could be remnants of deleted applications or temporary update files.

For in-depth analysis, it is recommended to use file managers with a memory map function, for example Files by Google or Total Commander. They will show the actual size of each folder, which will allow you to make an informed decision about deletion.

• 📸 Media files: Check the folders DCIM/Camera i Downloads. Videos in 4K can take up gigabytes.
• 💬 Messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp save all viewed photos and videos in a cache, which must be cleared manually through the app settings.
• 📂 Downloads: The folder Download is often filled with APK installers and documents that are no longer needed.

⚠️ Attention: When deleting files from system folders (Android/data, Android/obb), be extremely careful. Deleting files of current games will result in loss of progress or the need to download resources again.

Clearing application cache and system garbage

Cache is temporary data that applications save to speed up work. Over time, it grows and begins to occupy a critical volume. Unlike user data, the cache can be deleted without harm to the account or settings.

However, there is a nuance: clearing the cache through standard Android settings sometimes does not delete everything. Some applications, especially social networks, store temporary files in their internal directories, ignoring the standard cleaning procedure.

For maximum efficiency, use the built-in Cleanup function in the storage settings, but then check each heavy application separately. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage and click "Clear cache".

System junk, such as debug logs and temporary update files, can be deleted through the developer menu or special commands, but for the average user it is safer to use standard system cleaning tools.

• 🧹 Standard cleaning: Use the built-in "Cleanup" tool in the "Memory" or "Storage" section.
• 📱 Google Play cache: Clearing the store cache Google Play and Google Play services often helps if loading errors are observed.
• 🗑️ Gallery cart: Don't forget to check the "Recently Deleted" folder in the gallery, the files are stored there 30 days and takes up space.

It is important to understand the difference between “Clear cache” and “Clear data”. The second option will return the application to the state immediately after installation, deleting your logins and settings within it.

Deleting and moving applications to a memory card

If the internal memory is full, consider moving applications to a microSD card. Although modern versions of Android limit this feature, it is still relevant for some games and apps.

For Genshin Impact porting the game itself may be unstable, since the game requires high read speeds, which older memory cards do not provide. However, other heavy applications can be safely moved.

Use the "Edit" function in the application list. If the "Move to SD card" button is active, the system will allow you to transfer the main part of the application, freeing up internal space.

It is also worth removing unused applications. Often we install apps “for one time” and forget about them. Go through the list of all installed apps and delete those that you have not used in the last month.

Data type	Where is it located	Can I delete?	Impact on Genshin
Cache games	Settings / Applications	Yes (will reset settings)	You will have to download the resources again
Resources (OBB)	Android/obb/com.miHoYo...	Only if you delete the game	The game will not start
Saves	Server (binding)	No need	Progress on the server
Logs errors	System folders	Yes	Safe

⚠️ Attention: The speed of the memory card directly affects the loading time of locations in Genshin Impact. Using a cheap SD card can lead to long loading of textures and freezes.

Optimizing your media library and cloud services

Photos and videos are the main enemy of free memory. Instead of storing thousands of pictures on your device, use cloud storage. Services like Google Photos allow you to free up space in one click.

The "Free up space" function in Google Photos automatically finds pictures already uploaded to the cloud and deletes their local copies from the phone. It's safe because the originals remain in the cloud.

For video files that you want to save but rarely watch, it is better to use external storage or a computer. Videos take up a disproportionate amount of space compared to text or documents.

How to set up automatic cleaning in Google Photos?

Go to the Google Photos app → tap on your profile avatar → select "Free up space." The system will check which photos have already been uploaded to the cloud and delete them from the device.

Also check the camera settings on social networks. If you record video in 4K at 60 frames per second, one minute of such a video can weigh 400-500 MB. For social networks, 1080p is quite enough.

• ☁️ Cloud synchronization: Enable photo auto-upload to Google Photo or Yandex.Disk and use the function to clear local copies.
• 🎥 Video compression: Use applications to compress video without visible loss of quality before saving to the archive.
• 📉 Camera settings: Reduce the quality of video recording in the camera settings if free space is critically low.

Don't forget about streaming services. Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube often store music and videos for offline viewing. These files can take up gigabytes if you forget about the subscription or downloaded content.

Specific settings for Genshin Impact

The game itself Genshin Impact has built-in resource management mechanisms. After installing and entering the game, go to the graphics settings. There you can remove language packs that you do not need.

If you play only in Russian or English, the remaining voice languages ​​(Chinese, Japanese, Korean) can be removed directly from the game menu. This will free up several gigabytes.

Also in the game settings there is a “Previous versions of resources” function. The game stores old files in case of version rollback or errors. If the game is stable, these files can be deleted through the "Delete" button in the resources section.

When updating the game via Google Play or AppGallery almost double the amount of free space is required (to unpack the archive). Therefore, before a major update, you need to have a reserve of 10-15 GB, even if the update itself weighs 3 GB.

If there is a catastrophic lack of space, you can try reinstalling the game. This is often more effective than updating, since when reinstalling, only the current version of resources is downloaded without the accumulated garbage of previous patches.

Radical measures: resetting and formatting

If no methods help, the last option remains - a full reset to factory settings. This is guaranteed to remove all junk, hidden files and file system errors.

Before this procedure, be sure to make a complete backup of all important data. After the reset, your phone will be as good as new and you will be able to install only the apps you need, including Genshin Impact.

Formatting the memory card can also help if the file system is damaged or fragmented. The computer will see the card as empty, but on the phone it may show errors or take up space.

⚠️ Attention: A factory reset will delete ALL data from the phone, including photos, contacts and messages. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup in the cloud or on your computer.

After the reset, do not install all applications at once. Install only the game and the necessary apps to estimate the actual amount of free space. Gradually filling the phone will help control the memory.

How to do a Hard Reset on Android?

Turn off the phone. Press the combination of buttons (usually Volume Down + Power or Volume Up + Power). From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Confirm the action.

Sometimes the problem is not in the volume, but in the file system. If the phone is old, it may be worth formatting the internal memory (only through a reset) to eliminate logical errors in the drive.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much space does Genshin Impact need in 2026-2026?

Currently the game requires about 30-40 GB of free space for comfortable installation and operation. With each update, this volume grows, so it is recommended to have a reserve of 50 GB.

Is it possible to transfer Genshin Impact to an SD card?

Technically, this is possible on some devices through developer settings or special utilities, but the developer does not recommend it. The SD card reading speed is often insufficient, which causes lags, long loading times and game crashes.

Why does the game download resources again after clearing the cache?

The cache contains temporary files necessary for fast operation. If you clear the application data (not just the cache), the game loses local settings and resources, so it has to download them again from the server.

Is it safe to delete the Android/data folder?

You cannot delete the entire folder - this will break the work of many applications. You can delete the contents of folders for specific deleted games. The Genshin Impact folder com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact contains all resources; deleting it is tantamount to deleting the game.

How to reduce the size of updates?

The size of updates depends on the developer. However, if you reinstall the game completely, you will download the current version from scratch, which sometimes takes up less space than sequentially installing all the patches on top of the old version.