Filled smartphone memory is one of the most common problems users Samsung Galaxy. This is often caused by duplicate files: photographs with the same content, copies of documents, repeating melodies or videos saved in different folders. These "invisible junk files" not only take up precious space, but also slow down the device, especially on models with limited internal memory (for example, Galaxy A14 or Galaxy M23 with 64 GB).

Unlike computers, where to search For duplicates, it is enough to install a specialized app; the Samsung Android devices process has its own nuances. Here it is important to take into account the features of the file system FUSE, restrictions on access to root folders and the risks of accidental deletion of system data. In this article we will look at 5 working methods from built-in tools One UI to third-party applications with artificial intelligence, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes when cleaning.

Why do duplicate files appear on Samsung

Duplication of files on Samsung rarely happens by accident. This is usually a consequence of specific user actions or operating system operating features. Here are the main reasons:

  • 📸 Automatic backup: Applications like Google Photos or Samsung Gallery can create copies of photos in the cloud and locally, especially if synchronization is enabled.
  • 📥 Multiple downloads: downloading the same file from instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or mail to different folders.
  • 🔄 Application updates: some apps (for example, Samsung Notes) create backup copies of old versions of files when upgrading.
  • 📁 File manager errors: when transferring data between devices or memory cards (microSD), "ghost" duplicates with the same names, but different contents may appear.

Devices with function Dual Messenger (cloning messengers) - here duplicate media files appear in geometric progression. For example, if you save the same video in both accounts WhatsApp, the system will create two identical copies in different folders: /WhatsApp/Media/ and /WhatsApp Business/Media/.

📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never cleared

Method 1: Built-in Memory Cleaner tool in One UI

Starting with One UI 3.1 (Android 11) and newer Samsung integrated into the firmware a tool for searching for unnecessary files, including duplicates. It is not as powerful as specialized applications, but it is safe and does not require installation.

To use it:

  1. Open Settings → Device Maintenance → Storage.
  2. Tap Clear now (or Release in new versions).
  3. Select category Duplicates files (may be called Duplicate files).
  4. The system will scan the device and offer a list of duplicates with the option of selective deletion.

Please note: the tool searches only full copies (files with the same content and size if you have photos in different resolutions or formats). (for example, .jpg and .heic), they will not be recognized as duplicates.

Back up important data

Close all running applications

Connect the charger device (for long scans)

Check free space (minimum 10% of free memory required)-->

⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, for operator firmware Verizon or AT&T), the duplicate search function may be disabled. This is due to security policy. mobile operators.

Method 2: Applications for finding duplicates (TOP-3)

If the built-in tools fail, it’s time to turn to third-party solutions. We tested dozens of applications and selected the three most effective for Samsung:

Application Advantages Disadvantages Link (Play Market)
Files by Google Free, integration with Google Drive, content search Does not search for duplicates in system folders, limited settings com.google.android.apps.nbu.files
Duplicate Files Fixer Deep scanning, support for cloud storage, manual mode Advertising in the free version, slow work on weak devices com.systweak.duplicatefilesfixer
SD Maid Advanced algorithms, clearing cache, support for root access Paid functions, complex interface for beginners eu.thedarken.sdm

For most users Samsung the optimal choice will be Files by Google. It is pre-installed on many models and has a minimalistic interface: To find duplicates:

  1. Open the application and go to. tab Cleaning.
  2. Select Duplicate files and start scanning.
  3. After analysis, mark files for deletion (can be sorted by type: photos, videos, documents).
  4. Click Delete X items and confirm the action.
💡

Before mass deletion, sort duplicates by date modified. Often the oldest copies are backup files that can be safely deleted.

Important: applications like SD Maid with the deep scan function can detect “duplicates” in system application folders (for example, /data/app/Deleting files from there without root access will lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Method 3: Manual search through the file manager

If you prefer to control the process manually, use the standard My File (My Files) from Samsung. This method takes more time, but gives 100% confidence that you will not delete anything important.

Action algorithm:

  1. Open My file and go to Analysis memory (chart icon in the upper right corner).
  2. Select category Images, Audio or Documents.
  3. Sort files by Size or Nameto find potential duplicates.
  4. To check the contents of photos, use the mode View (tap on the file with hold).

Pay attention to the folders where duplicates appear most often:

  • 📁 /DCIM/Camera/ — photos from the camera (there may be copies from cloud services).
  • 📁 /Download/ — downloaded files (often duplicated when repeated downloads).
  • 📁 /WhatsApp/Media/ —media from chats (especially if automatic saving is enabled).
  • 📁 /Bluetooth/ —files received via Bluetooth (can be duplicated during repeated transmissions).
How to distinguish an original from a duplicate?

Compare Date modified (the original is usually older) and File size (duplicates can be compressed). Also check EXIF data photos: the originals contain meta-information about the camera, geolocation and shooting settings, and copies often lose it.

Method 4: Using ADB for advanced users

If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB)you can find duplicates through the command line. This method is suitable for technically savvy users and allows you to. scan even hidden system folders.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. Enable on your smartphone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → Developer options → USB debugging).
  3. Connect the device to the PC and run the command to search for duplicates by hash:
adb shell "su -c 'find /sdcard/ -type f -exec md5sum {} \; | sort | uniq -w32 -dD'"

This command:

  • Scans the folder /sdcard/ (internal memory).
  • Calculates MD5 hash for each file.
  • Compares hashes and displays paths to duplicates.
⚠️ Attention: Commands with su require root access. On most Samsung s Knox this will lead to the flag being triggered KNOX 0x1 and loss of warranty. For devices without root, use the alternative command without su -c (but scanning will be limited).

Method 5: Cloud services with deduplication

If duplicates appeared due to synchronization with the cloud; the problem can be solved at the service level. For example, Google Photos and Samsung Cloud have built-in tools for managing copies.

For Google Photos:

  1. Open the application and go to Library → Utilities.
  2. Select Clear space → Delete copies.
  3. The service will automatically find duplicate photos and offer to leave the best quality one.

For Samsung Cloud:

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Select Data management → Duplicates.
  3. Mark files for deletion and confirm the action.

The advantage of this method is synchronous cleaning: duplicates will be deleted both from the device and from the cloud. However, be careful: some services (for example, Yandex Disk) can store copies in the Recycle Bin for up to 30 days, taking up space.

💡

Cloud services often create "hidden" duplicates when synchronization For example, if you edit a photo in Google Photos, the original and edited version may be saved as separate files.

What NOT to do when deleting duplicates

Cleaning up memory is a delicate process. Mistakes here can lead to the loss of important data or even system crash. Here's what is strictly not recommended:

  • 🚫 Delete files from folders /system/ or /vendor/ —this will lead to crash One UI.
  • 🚫 Use "cleaners" with acceleration functions (for example, Clean Master). They often delete the cache of needed applications, which causes them to reboot.
  • 🚫 Format a memory card microSD without a backup copy. Even if there are many duplicates on it, you can format it only after transferring unique files to your PC.
  • 🚫 Trust applications that require root for “deep cleaning”. On Samsung this almost always triggers Knox.

Be especially careful with files with the extensions:

  • .db - application databases (deleting them will reset them settings).
  • .odex or .oat — optimized system files (critical for operation Android).
  • .nomedia —service files that hide folders from the media scanner (deleting will make hidden data visible).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about duplicates on Samsung

Is it possible to recover accidentally deleted duplicates?

Yes, but only if you used recycle bin (in My file or Google Photos files are stored there for 30 days. For deep recovery you will need apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root or connection to a PC). Please note: the more you use your smartphone after deletion, the lower the chances of recovery.

Why is the memory not freed after deleting duplicates?

This is due to the peculiarities of the file system F2FSused on modern devices. After deleting files, the system does not immediately free the clusters. To speed up the process: Samsung uses on modern devices. After deleting files, the system does not immediately release the clusters. To speed up the process:

  1. Reboot. device.
  2. Run built-in optimization (Settings → Device Maintenance → Optimize).
  3. Use the command adb shell fstrim -v /data (requires ADB).
How to prevent duplicates in the future?

Prevention is always better than cure:

  • 📌 Set Google Photo to save compressed copies (High quality instead of Original).
  • 📌 Disable automatic saving of media in messengers (Chat settings → Mediavisors in WhatsApp).
  • 📌 Regularly transfer files to your PC or external drive (use Samsung Smart Switch).
  • 📌 Set a limit on downloading duplicates in Chrome (Settings → Downloads → Ask where to save).
Is it safe to use cleaning applications on Samsung?

Yes, but only if they are certified Google Play Protect and have a high rating (4.5+). Avoid apps that:

  • Ask for permission to Accessibility Service (access for special users). capabilities).
  • Show advertisements in notifications.
  • Require payment for "premium cleaning" without a trial period.

For Samsung safe: Files by Google, CCleaner (basic only version), Why are there more duplicates on the memory card than in the internal memory? to different devices Norton Clean.

Why are there more duplicates on the memory card than in the internal memory?

Cards microSD are more likely to become victims of duplicates due to:

  • 🔄 Frequent connections to different devices (camera, PC, other phone).
  • 📁 Lack of a file system F2FS (on cards usually exFAT or FAT32which manage metadata worse).
  • 📱 Automatic cache saving some applications (for example, Spotify or Netflix can create temporary files).

Solution: format the card in exFAT (via PC) and use it only for storing media, not for installation applications.