Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy have impressive amounts of built-in memory, but over time, even 256 or 512 gigabytes can be completely filled. This leads to a slower interface, the inability to install system updates, and problems with saving new photos. Users often encounter the “Device memory is full” notification, which blocks normal use of the gadget.
The problem of accumulating junk files is relevant for all versions of the shell One UI, from older models of the series J to the latest flagships S24 Ultra. The Android system is prone to data fragmentation and the accumulation of temporary files that are not automatically deleted. In this article, we will examine not only standard cleaning methods, but also deep storage optimization available to advanced users.
Let's start with the fact that cleaning memory is not a one-time action, but a regular process of device maintenance. Ignoring this aspect can lead to critical application failures. Below are step-by-step guide that will help you return your smartphone to its former speed and free up gigabytes of usable space.
Using the built-in optimization service
Samsung has integrated a powerful system maintenance tool into its devices, which is often ignored by users. This service analyzes the memory state and offers a (one-tap) solution to remove unnecessary data. It is accessed through the settings menu, which contains the basic parameters for managing the device.
To start the procedure, you need to go to the section Settings → Device maintenance → Memory. Here the system will display the current amount of occupied space and offer a "Clean up now" button. The built-in optimizer algorithm is configured to safely remove temporary files, the cache of unused applications and residual data after uninstalled apps.
It is important to understand that the built-in utility does not delete your personal files, such as photos or documents, if they are not duplicates. However, it effectively fights the so-called “system junk”. Regular use of this function, at least once a week, allows you to maintain free space at 15-20% of the total volume, which is critical for stable operation of flash memory.
Use the "Auto-optimization" function in the device maintenance settings so that the phone is cleaned automatically at night when you are not using it.
⚠️ Attention: The built-in optimizer may delete data from the Downloads folder if it is classified as temporary. Before running a full clean, check the contents of the directory
Downloadfor important installation files or documents.
Samsung's built-in optimization service is safe for personal data, but before deep cleaning, always check the "Downloads" folder manually.
Manually clearing cache and application data
The main consumers of free space are often social networks and instant messengers. Applications like Telegram, WhatsApp i Instagram store a huge amount of media files in the internal cache. Over time, the size of this cache can reach tens of gigabytes, taking up space that the user does not even see in the gallery.
To clear the cache of a specific application, follow the path Settings → Applications. Select the desired app from the list and click on "Storage". Here you will see two buttons: "Clear cache" and "Clear data". The first deletes temporary files, the second resets the application to factory settings, deleting logins and correspondence.
Particular attention should be paid to instant messengers, as they have their own built-in memory management tools. For example, in Telegram you can configure the media file cache to be automatically deleted after a certain period of time. This is much more effective than manual cleaning through the Android settings, since it does not disrupt the operation of the application itself.
- 📱 Social networks: the cache can take up from 1 to 5 GB per month of active use.
- 🎮 Games: temporary update files and resources often remain after patches.
- 📹 Video editors: save drafts of projects that weigh a lot.
- 🌐 Browsers: the history and cache of sites can grow to unimaginable sizes.
Storage analysis and removal of duplicates
Starting with One UI 5.0 and later, an advanced storage analysis tool has appeared in Samsung smartphones. It allows you to visualize which types of files are taking up the most space. This is much more convenient than blindly deleting applications, hoping to free up space.
In the section Settings → Device maintenance → Storage you will find a detailed breakdown by category: images, videos, audio, documents and applications. By clicking on any category, the system will sort the files by size. This is an ideal way to find forgotten 4K videos or long voice recordings that are no longer needed.
It is also worth paying attention to the duplicate search function. Some Samsung models have this option built into the My Files or Gallery app. It scans the device for identical photos and offers to delete copies, leaving only the original in the best quality. This allows you to instantly free up a significant amount of memory without losing important pictures.
| File type | Average size (example) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 4K video (1 min) | ~350-450 MB | Transfer to PC or cloud |
| RAW photo | ~25-50 MB | Keep only the best shots |
| Messenger cache | ~2-10 GB | Clear once a month |
| Offline cards | ~500 MB - 2 GB | Delete unnecessary regions |
What is "Other" folder in storage?
The "Other" (or "Other") folder typically contains system files, application data that is not classified as media, and temporary update files. Sometimes files with the wrong extension end up here. You need to clean it with care, deleting only what is clearly unnecessary through the file manager.
Working with a memory card and cloud services
If the internal memory is critically low, it is advisable to transfer some of the data to external media. Samsung smartphones support memory cards of the format microSD (with the exception of some flagship models of recent years). Transferring photos and videos to a memory card is the easiest way to free up internal storage for system operation.
To transfer files, use the My Files application. Select the media files you want, select the "Move" option and specify the SD card as_destination_. It is important not just to copy, but to move files in order to avoid duplication and taking up space on two media at once.
An alternative to a physical memory card is cloud services, such as Google Photos or OneDrive, which is deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. By setting up automatic synchronization and then deleting local copies, you can store terabytes of data in the cloud, leaving only thumbnails on your phone for quick viewing.
⚠️ Attention: When you format a memory card as “internal memory” (Adoptable Storage), the data on it is encrypted and becomes inaccessible to other devices. It will be impossible to remove such a card without losing data.
☑️ Preparing for data transfer
Removing system junk and the DCIM folder
The folder DCIM is a standard storage for photos from the camera, but hidden ones often accumulate inside it thumbnails, which can take up gigabytes of space. These files are created by the system to quickly display the gallery, but when you delete the main photos, copies of them sometimes remain.
To clean this directory, you will need access to hidden files. In the My Files app, tap the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Settings, then turn on the Show hidden system files switch. Find the folder .thumbnails inside DCIM and feel free to delete its contents. The system will create it again if necessary, but already cleared.
It is also worth checking the folder Android/data i Android/obb. Cache files of games and applications are stored here. If you deleted the game, but the space was not freed up, most likely the remains are located here. Delete folders with the names of deleted applications manually. Be careful: do not touch the folders of active apps, this will lead to their incorrect operation.
Path for manual checking:/internal storage/Android/data/
/internal storage/Android/obb/
/internal storage/DCIM/.thumbnails/
After clearing the .thumbnails folder, restart the phone. When opening the gallery for the first time, the system will re-generate thumbnails, which may cause the device to heat up briefly.
Resetting settings as a last resort
If none of the above methods helped free up enough space, the file system may have accumulated critical errors or hidden system files that cannot be deleted manually. In this case, the only effective solution is to completely reset the device to factory settings.
This procedure completely deletes all data from the phone, returning it to the “as from the store” state. Before starting the operation, be sure to create a complete backup of your contacts, messages and media files to an external storage device or to the cloud. Without a backup, you risk losing all important information forever.
You can reset through the menu Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset data. The device will ask for confirmation and a password for your Google or Samsung account to protect against theft. The process takes from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory and the speed of your processor Samsung Galaxy.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50%, or better yet, connect the phone to a charger. Interrupting the reset process due to low battery can lead to software damage ("bricking").
Factory Reset is a radical, but the most effective way to get rid of software junk that cannot be removed by other methods.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is space not freed up after deleting applications?
When deleting an application through the standard interface, its cache and data folders often remain in directories Android/data or in the root of the internal memory. You need to check these folders manually through the file manager and remove the remains.
Is it safe to delete the .nomedia file?
File .nomedia instructs the system not to scan the folder for media files. Removing it will not free up space, but on the contrary, it may result in system icons and pictures from application folders appearing in the gallery. It is not recommended to delete it.
How to empty the "Downloads" folder automatically?
The built-in Android tools cannot be configured to automatically clean the "Downloads" folder. However, you can use cleaner applications from trusted developers (for example, Files by Google), which have the function of automatically deleting old files from this directory.
Does memory fullness affect the charging speed?
Memory fullness does not have a direct effect on charging speed. However, with a critically low amount of free space (less than 1 GB), the system may be unstable, background processes may freeze, which indirectly affects the overall power consumption and heating of the device.
Is it possible to transfer the applications themselves to a memory card on Samsung?
In modern versions of Android and the One UI shell, the ability of developers to transfer installed applications to a memory card is deliberately limited or completely removed to ensure stability. Only media files and documents can be transferred.