The internal memory of a smartphone on Android fills up faster than it seems: high-resolution photos, application updates, game caches and system files quietly eat up gigabytes. When your device starts to slow down, display low-space notifications, or refuse to install new apps, it’s time to act. But simply deleting a couple of photos or emptying the trash is not enough: the real garbage is hidden deeper.

This article will help you figure out, how to effectively clean internal memory without harm to the system, which tools to use depending on the version Android (from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15), and why some "tips" from the Internet can only aggravate the problem. We will look at both standard phone functions and hidden features that are not discussed in official instructions.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly is taking up memory?

Before cleaning, you need to understand what exactly is clogging the memory. Modern smartphones (Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel etc.) have built-in analysis tools, but they often show the data incompletely. For example, the “System” category can take up 20-30 GB, but what exactly is included in this section is unclear.

To get a detailed report:

  • 📊 Open Settings → Memory (on some devices the path: Settings → Device → Memory). Here you will see a diagram with the distribution of memory by category: Applications, Images, Video, Audio i System.
  • 🔍 Click on any category (for example, “Applications”) to see a list of the most “gluttonous” apps. Pay special attention to games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) - they can weigh 5-10 GB each.
  • 📁 For advanced analysis, use third-party utilities, for example Files by Google or SD Maid. They will show hidden files, duplicates and residual data of deleted applications.
📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never cleared

Pay attention to the "Other" or "Miscellaneous" section - they are often hidden here:

  • 🗑️ Temporary update files (.tmp, .temp)
  • 📄 System logs (.log, .dmp)
  • 🔄 Residual data after deleting applications (folders lib, cache to /data/data/)
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If the "System" section takes up more than 15 GB on a device with pure Android (for example, Pixel or Nokia), this may indicate an error in the operation of the proprietary shell. Try rebooting the phone in safe mode and repeat the check.

2. Clearing the application cache: quickly and safely

Caches are temporary files that applications create to speed up their work. Over time, they accumulate and can take up space. Clearing the cache does not delete important data (for example, saves in games or settings), but it can reset some temporary parameters (for example, browsing history in several gigabytes. Clearing the cache does not delete important data (such as game saves or settings), but it may reset some temporary settings (such as browsing history). YouTube).

How to clear the cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications (or Settings → All applications).
  2. Select an application (for example, Facebook, Instagram, Google Chrome).
  3. Click Memory → Clear cache.
  4. For mass clearing, use Settings → Memory → Clear cache (not available on all devices).

Some smartphones (Xiaomi, Realme) have a “Deep Cleaning” function that deletes not only the cache, but also unnecessary application files. However using it is often not recommended - this can lead to malfunctions of apps, especially messengers and banking. applications.

Remember logins/passwords for important applications (the cache may contain authorization data)

Close all active apps

Connect the phone to charge (the process may take 5-10 minutes)

Check the free space BEFORE and AFTER cleaning-->

Cache type What will be deleted Consequences
Browser cache (Chrome, Firefox) Browsing history, cookies, temporary page files You will have to re-enter logins on sites
Messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram) Previews of media files, stickers, animations The files will be re-downloaded when opened
Game cache (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire) Textures, models, updates The game may lag when first launched after cleaning

3. Removing unnecessary files and duplicates

Photos, videos and documents are often duplicated or saved in several copies. For example, by default, it saves all media files to the gallery, and can create backup copies in the cloud and locally. As a result, the same photo takes up space in three copies. Google Photos How to find and delete duplicates: WhatsApp by default saves all media files to the gallery, and Google Photos can create backups in the cloud and locally. As a result, the same photograph takes up space in three copies.

How to find and remove duplicates:

  • 📷 Use the built-in tools: on Samsung this Gallery → ⋮ → Cleaning, on Xiaomi — Files → Cleaning.
  • 🔍 Third-party applications:
    • Files by Google — shows duplicates, large files and unused applications.
    • Duplicate Files Fixer — scans memory by file contents, not names.
  • 🗃️ Manually check folders:
    • DCIM/.thumbnails — photo thumbnails (can be deleted).
    • Download — downloads from the browser (often contain outdated files).
    • Android/data/ — application data (delete folders of uninstalled apps).
What files can be deleted without risk?

Safely delete:

- Files with the extension .tmp, .temp, .bak

- Folders of empty applications in /Android/data/

- Card cache (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) - they will reboot the next time you use

- APK files of installed applications (located in /Download/ or /APK/)

Do not delete:

- Files with the .db extension, .sqlite (application databases)

- Folders com.android.* (system data)

- Files in /system/ (this may cause the OS to crash)

Pay special attention to files that take up a lot of space but are not used:

  • 🎥 Video in 4K resolution (can weigh 500 MB in 1 minute).
  • 🎵 Music tracks downloaded for offline listening (Spotify, Yandex Music).
  • 📄 PDF documents and archives (especially if they are duplicated in the cloud).
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Check the Download folder regularly - outdated APK files, documents and media that you have not opened for a long time accumulate here. Sort files by date of modification and delete those that have not been used for more than 6 months.

4. Optimizing application storage.

Many applications allow transfer some data to an SD card or to the cloud, but few users use it. For example, WhatsApp can store backup copies of chats (sometimes 1-2 GB) directly in the internal memory, and games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact allow you to download additional ones. resources to a memory card.

How to free up space:

  • 📱 Transferring applications to an SD card:
    1. Open Settings → Applications.
    2. Select an application (for example, Netflix or Spotify).
    3. Click Storage → Change → SD card.
⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support transfer. System apps and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile) will not allow you to change the storage location.
  • ☁️ Use cloud storage:
    • Google Photos —automatically uploads photos and allows you to delete local copies.
    • WhatsApp — in the chat settings (⋮ → Chat → Backup) you can save the history in Google Drive and delete local files.
    • 🎮 For games: in the settings of many projects (Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends) there is an option "Optimize storage" - it removes unnecessary resources (for example, character voices in unused languages).

      • If your device does not have an SD card slot (like Google Pixel or iPhone-like Android), consider the option with USB drive (via adapter OTG). Modern flash drives (for example SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive) allow you to transfer files at speeds of up to 150 MB/s.

      5. Cleaning system garbage and residual files

      Even after deleting applications, their “tails” remain on the phone: folders in /data/data/, settings files, log files. Standard tools Android do not remove them, but there are ways to get rid of them manually.

      Instructions for advanced users:

      1. Install a file manager with access to root folders, for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (you need to enable the "Show hidden files" mode).
      2. Go to /data/data/ (you may need to root access or activate USB debugging).
      3. Find folders with the names of removed applications (for example, com.whatsappif WhatsApp was uninstalled).
      4. Delete these folders. They can weigh from several megabytes to hundreds of megabytes.
      What is root access and is it needed for cleaning?

      Root access is superuser rights that allow you to change system files. It is not required for basic memory cleaning, but it gives access to:

      - Removing pre-installed applications (bloatware)

      - Clearing the dalvik cache (speeds up the system)

      - Changing system fonts and animations

      Risks:

      - Loss of warranty

      - Possibility of "bricking" the phone if you do the wrong thing

      - Vulnerabilities for viruses

      Alternative: use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove system applications without root.

      For users without root access, specialized utilities are suitable:

      • 🧹 SD Maid - finds residual files, empty folders and unnecessary databases.
      • 🔧 CCleaner (only the official version from Google Play) - clears the cache, call history and SMS.
      • 📦 1Tap Cleaner - deletes empty folders and temporary files.
      ⚠️ Attention: Do not use “optimizers” from unknown developers. Some of them (for example Clean Master, DU Speed Booster) themselves consume resources and show false warnings about the “critical state” of the device.

      6. Resetting to factory settings: a last resort

      If the internal memory is so full that the phone slows down or does not update, and standard methods do not help, it remains hard reset. This will delete all data, including applications, photos and settings, so before the procedure you need to:

      • 🔄 Make a backup:
        • Contacts - synchronize with Google Account.
        • Photo/video - download to Google Photos or copy to PC.
        • Applications - use Google Backup or Titanium Backup (for root).
      • 📋 Write down logins/passwords for important services (banks, social networks).
      • 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% (the process may take 10-30 minutes).

      How to reset:

      1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings.
      2. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
      3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or pattern key).
      4. Wait until the process is completed and set up the phone again.

      After the reset:

      • 📱 Do not restore all the data at once - first check how the “clean” phone works.
      • 🚫 Do not install applications that previously called memory problems.
      • 🔄 Clear the cache regularly and monitor free space.
      ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Xiaomi, Huawei), resetting does not delete data from the folder /sdcard/ (internal storage). After the procedure, check this folder manually and delete unnecessary files.

      7. Prevention: how to avoid memory filling in the future

      To avoid having to repeat cleaning every week, follow simple rules:

      • 📅 Set up automatic cleaning:
        • In Files by Google turn on the "Junk Cleanup" option schedule.
        • In Google Photos activate "Free up space" after uploading files to the cloud.
      • 🚫 Limit background activity:
        • Disable auto-downloading of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
        • Prohibit applications from creating notifications (many games and social networks save a cache for push notifications).
      • 📊 Control the installation of applications:
        • Before installing the game, check its size in Google Play (for example, Call of Duty Mobile weighs more than 1.5 GB, and Genshin Impact up to 15 GB).
        • Delete unused apps (even if they are “light” - their cache will grow over time).

      Useful settings for saving space:

      Settings Where to enable Effect
      Photo compression Google Photos → Settings → Upload quality → "High quality" Photos take up 2-3 times less space
      Clear cache when closing Developer settings → "Do not save activity" Applications clear cache when closed
      Limit background data Settings → Networks → Data transfer → Background mode Applications not download data in the background
      💡

      Check the Download folder regularly - outdated APK files, documents and media that you have not opened for a long time accumulate here. Sort files by date of modification and delete those that have not been used for more than 6 months.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning Android memory

      Is it possible to clear memory without losing data?

      Yes, if you use the methods from sections 2-5 (clearing the cache, deleting duplicates, transferring files to an SD card). A full reset (section 6) will delete all data, so it should be used only as a last resort.

      Why is memory freed after clearing the cache? not for long?

      Cache is temporary files that applications create anew when used. To free up space for a long time, you need not only to clear the cache, but also to delete unnecessary applications, transfer files to the cloud or to an SD card, and also set up automatic cleaning (section 7).

      How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on?

      If the device does not respond to turning on, connect it to the PC and use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to delete unnecessary files. An alternative is to remove the memory card (if you have one) and format it on another device. A complete reset may require recovery mode (press Power + Volume up when turned on).

      Why do system files take up so much space?

      On devices with proprietary shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) system files include:

      • Pre-installed applications (bloater).
      • Backup copies of OS updates.
      • Files for running services (for example, Bixby on Samsung or HiAssistant on Huawei).

      Removing updates for system applications or disabling unnecessary services will help to partially free up space.

      Is it possible to increase the internal memory of the phone?

      Physically, no, but you can:

      • Use an SD card as internal memory (function Adoptable Storage, available on Android 6-9).
      • Connect a USB drive via OTG and transfer files to it.
      • Store media files in cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex Disk).

      On new devices (Android 10+), the function Adoptable Storage is often disabled by the manufacturer.