A decrease in the speed of a mobile device often becomes an unpleasant surprise for the owner. Operating system it begins to “think” even during simple actions, applications are unloaded from RAM, and installation of new apps becomes impossible. In most cases, the root of the problem lies in overcrowded internal storage, which is critical for stability Android.
Understanding how to correctly assess available space is the first step to optimizing your gadget. Users often confuse RAM (RAM) and internal storage, although the methods for checking and cleaning them differ significantly. In this article, we will look at all available diagnostic methods, from standard settings to advanced tools.
Timely checking allows you to avoid sudden failures and loss of important data. The critical threshold is considered to be when the drive is filled to more than 90%, when the system is running low places for temporary files. Let's take a closer look at how to get accurate information about the status of your device.
Using standard system settings
The easiest and safest way to learn how much space is left is built into the operating system interface. The developers Google have provided a convenient section where detailed information is displayed. The path to it may differ slightly depending on shell manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme), but the logic remains the same.
You need to open the main menu and find the icon Settings. Next, scroll down the list to item Memory or Storage. In some versions Android this section may be hidden inside the tab System or About the device.
⚠️ Attention: The names of menu items may change after updating the firmware. If you don't find an exact match, look for sections with the words "Storage", "Storage" or "Device Memory".
A visual scale will appear on the screen showing the ratio of used and free space. A breakdown by category is usually available here: applications, images, videos and system files. This allows you to quickly understand what exactly is taking up internal storage.
Checking through the "About" menu device"
An alternative path to general information is often hidden in the “About the device” section. This method is useful if the standard settings menu is overloaded or modified by the manufacturer. Here you will see summary data about the model, version Android and memory status.
Click on the item About device or About phone at the bottom of the list of settings. Often you need to click on a line Memory or RAMto see the details. On some devices, information is available immediately on the first screen of this section.
It is important to distinguish between the two types of memory that are indicated here:
- 📱 Internal memory —a place to store photos, applications and files (usually 64, 128, 256 GB).
- ⚡ Random access memory (RAM)—temporary storage for running processes (usually 4, 6, 8, 12 GB).
To free up space, we are interested in the internal drive. If it is full, the system may become unstable. In the same menu, a button Cleaningis often available, which will automatically delete temporary files.
Using the Google Files application
For users who find standard tools insufficiently informative, the utility Files by Google. This is an official application that is pre-installed on many smartphones or available in Play Market. It provides in-depth analysis of the content.
After launching the application, the current storage status is displayed on the main screen. The app itself offers to delete unnecessary files, duplicates and old screenshots. The interface is designed in a minimalistic style, which allows you to quickly navigate.
☑️ Checking storage via Files
The feature Google Files is smart categorization. The application itself finds large videos that you have not used for a long time, or APK installation files left after installing apps. This saves time manually searching for “heavy” content.
⚠️ Attention: Before deleting files suggested by the application, make sure that you do not need them. Automatic cleaning may affect documents that you planned to save.
Hidden engineering menus and codes
For advanced users, there are special codes that allow you to enter the engineering menu. This method gives access to technical statistics hidden from the average user. Be careful, changing the settings in this menu may affect the operation of radio module or other components.
To enter, you need to open the application Phone (dialer) and dial a special code. The combination ##4636##works on most devices. After entering the last digit, the menu will open automatically; you do not need to press the call button.
##4636##In the list that opens, select the item Usage statistics or Storage statistics. Here you can see a detailed report of how much space specific applications and system processes take up. This is useful for identifying “hidden” space eaters.
What to do if the code does not work?
Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) block access to the engineering menu through a standard dialer. In this case, you can try downloading the "Activity Launcher" application from the Play Market, find "Testing" in the list and launch the testing menu manually.
Memory analysis with third-party applications
If the built-in tools do not provide a complete picture, specialized snails come to the rescue. apps like DiskUsage or Storage Analyzer visualize data in the form of graphs and maps. This allows you to instantly see which folders have grown to gigantic sizes.
The principle of operation of such applications is simple: they scan the file system and build a diagram. Large squares on the screen correspond to large files. By clicking on such a square, you go deeper into the folder and can delete unnecessary items.
Comparison of popular tools for analysis:
| Application | Type of analysis | Complexity | Availability advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Files by Google | Automatic | Low | No |
| DiskUsage | Visual map | Medium | No |
| SD Maid | Deep search | High | Yes (in the free version) |
Using third-party software requires permission to access files. Make sure that you download the app from a trusted source so as not to introduce virus a virus onto your device
Working with an SD memory card
If your smartphone has a memory card installed microSD, the memory situation may be twofold. Often, users store photos and music on the card, forgetting that applications still take up space in the internal storage. You can check the status of the card in the same settings section.
In the menu Memory there will be a separate block displaying the volume of the card. By clicking on it, you can see detailed statistics.
In some cases, the system may erroneously show the card volume as “free space” of the shared storage if the “Smart Storage” mode is enabled. Check the settings to understand exactly where new files are saved by default.
Frequently asked questions and problems (FAQ)
Why does the memory fill up on its own?
This happens due to the application cache (Telegram, WhatsApp, browsers), which accumulates temporary files to speed up work. Also, the system can be “bloated” by error logs and remnants of deleted apps.
Is it possible to increase the internal memory?
It is impossible to physically increase the built-in memory chip. However, you can use a microSD card (if there is a slot) or cloud storage to transfer photos and videos, freeing up space on your device.
Is it safe to delete files from the Android folder?
Deleting files inside the folder Android/data or Android/obb should be done with caution. Game and application data is stored there. Removing them can lead to the reset of progress in games or incorrect operation of apps.
How to clear the cache of all applications at once?
In new versions of Android (11 and higher), the “Clear all” button in the memory settings is often missing. It is recommended to clear the cache of heavy applications (social networks, instant messengers) manually through the menu Applications.
Regularly checking the storage once a month prolongs the life of the battery and maintains high speed of the interface.