The internal memory of a smartphone fills up faster than it seems: high-resolution photos, application caches, system file updates, and even “invisible” garbage from messengers eat up gigabytes in a matter of months. If your Android constantly displays the “Not enough memory” notification, and new applications refuse to install, it’s time to act. But don’t rush to delete everything: proper storage expansion begins with analyzing the current state and choosing the optimal method.

In this article we will look all available ways to increase memory from basic (clearing the cache and transferring files) to advanced (using OTG drives and hardware replacement of the memory chip). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 14), and also warn against common errors that can lead to data loss or slowdown of the device.

Important: the methods differ in complexity and effectiveness. For example, transferring applications to an SD card does not work on all smartphones, but formatting the card as internal storage may shorten its service life. We will help you choose a solution for your tasks - be it temporary freeing up 1-2 GB or a full upgrade to 128+ GB.

1. Analysis of the current state of memory: what is taking up space?

Before freeing or expanding memory, you need to understand which files and processes it is being consumed. There are built-in analysis tools, but they often hide details. Here's how to get the full picture: Android There are built-in analysis tools, but they often hide the details. Here's how to get the full picture:

Open Settings → Storage. Here you will see a diagram of memory distribution by category: Applications, Media files, Cache, System data etc. Click on each category to see details. For example, in the “Applications” section, sort the list by size - this way you will find the most “gluttonous” culprits.

  • 📱 System applications: even if you don't use it (for example, Google Play Music or Duo), it can take up hundreds of megabytes. Some can be disabled or deleted (more on this below).
  • 📸 Media files: photos in format .HEIC or .RAW, videos in 4K, as well as screenshots and downloads from instant messengers. Pay attention to the folder DCIM/Thumbs —there may be miniatures weighing several gigabytes.
  • 🗑️ Cache and temporary files: games also accumulate a lot of them. The cache can be cleared manually, but some applications restore it immediately after a reboot. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and games. The cache can be cleared manually, but some applications restore it immediately after a reboot.
  • 🔄 System updates: update files Android may weigh 1–3 GB and are not automatically deleted after installation. Look for them in the folder. the application visualizes the occupied space in the form of an interactive map - this makes it easier to find “heavy” folders. For example, you may find that /data/ota_package (will be required root access).

For in-depth analysis, use third-party utilities like Files by Google, SD Maid or DiskUsage. The latest application visualizes occupied space in the form of an interactive map - this makes it easier to find “heavy” folders. For example, you may find that WhatsApp keeps backup copies of chats for the last 2 years, and Telegram downloaded all media files from channels in original quality.

📊 How often do you check the occupied space on phone?
Once a week
Only when the memory runs out
Never
I use automatic cleaning

2. Clearing memory without losing data: what can be safely deleted

The fastest way to free up 1–5 GB is delete unnecessary files and clean up. cache. But it is important not to overdo it: some data (for example, the card cache in Google Maps) will have to be downloaded again when deleted, wasting traffic and time. Follow this algorithm:

2.1. Removing the application cache

The cache speeds up apps, but over time it grows to an unreasonable size. To clear it:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing, use Files by Google: open the "Cleaning" tab and select “Application cache.” Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, Android System WebView) - this may lead to errors in the operation of the smartphone.

2.2 Deleting downloads and duplicates

Folder Download - a storehouse of unnecessary files: old apk, pdf documents, archives. Open it through any file manager and sort the files by date or size. Delete everything that is older than 6 months and is not used.

To find duplicate photos and videos, use Duplicate Files Fixer or CCleaner. These applications find identical or similar files (for example, screenshots with the same content) and offer to combine them.

Delete messenger cache (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)

Check the Download folder for unnecessary files

Delete old apk files (in folder /apk or /download)

Empty the trash in the gallery

Disable automatic downloading of media in messengers-->

2.3. Optimizing media files

Photos and videos take up the lion's share of memory. Here's how to reduce their weight:

  • 📷 Use Google Photos in High Quality mode (up to 16 MP compression for photos and 1080p for video). This reduces file size by 50–70% without noticeable loss of quality.
  • 🎥 Convert video to .MP4 with a bitrate of 5-8 Mbps (for example, via VLC or HandBrake). One 4K/60fps video can weigh 1 GB, and after conversion - 200–300 MB.
  • 🗃️ Archive rarely used files to .ZIP or .RAR. For example, screenshots from last year can be zipped and moved to a memory card.
💡

Turn on the “Free up space” function (Settings → Free up space). The application will automatically delete local copies of photos and videos that have already been uploaded to the cloud and are available via the link. Google Photos turn on the “Free up space” function (Settings → Free up space). The application will automatically delete local copies of photos and videos that have already been uploaded to the cloud and are available via the link.

2.4. Removing unnecessary applications and their data

Analyze the list of installed applications (Settings → Applications). Remove:

  • 🧹 Applications that have not been used for more than 3 months (check in Settings → Applications → Unused).
  • 🎮 Games with cache >500 MB (for example PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can weigh 5-10 GB).
  • 🔄 Cloned applications (for example, the second WhatsApp via Parallel Space).
  • 📦 Pre-installed applications (bloatware), which cannot be removed using standard means. To uninstall them you will need ADB commands or root access.

To remove system applications without root, connect the phone to the PC and run the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application (you can find it out through App Inspector or website APKMirror).

⚠️ Attention: deleting system applications (for example, Google Play Services) may disrupt the operation of the smartphone. Before executing commands, create a backup copy via adb backup or Titanium Backup (required root).

3. Transferring data to a memory card or external drive

If in the phone there is a slot for microSD, you can use it to expand the memory. However, there are nuances:

  • 📱 Not all smartphones support formatting the card as internal storage (function Adoptable Storage, available with Android 6.0). system, and it cannot be removed without data loss.
  • 🔄 Class cards A1 or A2 (for example, SanDisk Extreme) are suitable for installing applications, and cheap cards class C10 —only for storing media files.
  • ⚠️ Formatting the card as internal memory reduces its service life due to frequent rewriting of data.

How to transfer data to a card:

  1. Insert the card into the slot (if the phone supports hybrid slotyou will have to choose between a second SIM or microSD).
  2. When connecting for the first time, the system will prompt you to format the card as portable (for files) or internal (for applications) storage. Select the desired option.
  3. To transfer files, use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer): select files → “Move” → select a memory card.
  4. To transfer applications, go to Settings → Applications → [select application] → Storage → Change → SD card.
Card type Speed class Suitable for Service life
microSDHC C10, U1 Photos, videos, music 3–5 years
microSDXC A1, U3 Applications, games (light) 2–4 years
microSDXC A2, V30 Games, system files 1–3 years

If The phone does not have a slot for microSD, use OTG drive (flash drive with connector USB-C or Micro-USB). data-i="199">. The operating speed will be lower than that of the built-in memory, but this is a good option for storing movies or backups. FAT32 or exFAT. The speed will be slower than the built-in memory, but it is a good option for storing movies or backups.

⚠️ Attention: on some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung c One UI) transferring applications to a memory card may not work correctly. Before purchasing a card, check reviews from users of your model.

4. Using cloud storage: pros and cons

Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Dropbox) allow you to free up space on your phone by transferring files to the Internet. However, this method has limitations:

  • ☁️ Free space: y Google Drive — 15 GB (shared with Gmail i Google Photos), y Yandex Disk — 10 GB, y Dropbox — 2 GB. For photos and videos, this will not last long.
  • 📶 Internet dependence: without a connection, files will not be available (except for those marked as “Available offline”).
  • 🔒 Privacy: photos and documents are stored on the company’s servers. For sensitive data, use encryption (for example, Cryptomator).
  • 💰 Paid plans: 100 GB Google One costs ~139 ₽/month, 1 TB - ~699 ₽/month. Compare with the price microSD for 128 GB (~1,500 ₽ one times).

How to set up automatic upload to the cloud:

  1. Q Google Photos: open settings → “Backup and synchronization” → enable the function and select quality (“Original” or "High").
  2. V Yandex Disk: in the settings, enable "Auto-upload photos and videos."
  3. V Dropbox: allow access to photos in the application settings.

To automatically clean up local files after uploading to the cloud:

  • B Google Photo: click on your avatar → “Free up space.”
  • In Yandex Drive: in the startup settings, enable the option “Delete from device after downloading.”
How to bypass the 15 GB limit in Google Drive?

Create a second Google account and use it exclusively for backups. You can also take advantage of promotions: for example, Google sometimes gives +100 GB for free when purchasing some smartphones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy etc.).

⚠️ Attention: if you delete files from your phone without waiting for them to be uploaded to the cloud, the data will be lost forever. Check the synchronization status in the notification panel.

5. Optimizing system files and resetting the cache

Over time Android system garbage accumulates: error logs, temporary update files, remnants of deleted applications. You can clear them without root, but with some restrictions.

5.1. Clearing the system application cache

Some system processes (Android System, Media Storage) create a cache that is not visible in the standard cleaning menu. To remove it:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Show system ones.
  2. Find Media Storage and Download Manager.
  3. Click "Clear cache" and "Clear data" (attention: this may lead to re-indexing of media files).

5.2. Deleting update files

Update files Android (.zip or .ota) can take up to 3 GB and are not deleted automatically. To find them:

  • Use a file manager with access to root folders (for example, FX File Explorer with enabled Root Access).
  • Check folders: /cache, /data/ota_package, /sdcard/Download (look for files with the extension .zip or .dm).

5.3. Resetting the partition cache (wipe cache partition)

This procedure clears temporary system files without deleting user data.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the button combination to enter Recovery Mode (for example, Power + Volume up for Samsung or Xiaomi).
  3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (control - with volume buttons, selection - with button power supply).
  4. Reboot the device (Reboot system now).
⚠️ Attention: on some smartphones (for example, Huawei or Honor), resetting the partition cache may reset the regional settings. After rebooting, check the system language and settings network.
💡

Clearing the system cache helps to free up 500 MB–2 GB, but does not solve the problem of lack of memory forever. For a long-term effect, combine this method with others (transferring to a card, cloud, deleting unnecessary files).

6. Advanced methods: root access and replacing the memory chip

If standard. methods do not help, and memory is sorely lacking, you can consider radical measures. They require technical skills and are risky, but give the maximum effect.

6.1. Transferring applications to a memory card using root

Without root access many applications cannot be transferred to SD card. superuser you can:

  • 🔧 Use Link2SD or App2SD to force transfer of applications.
  • 📁 Create a partition on the memory card in the format ext4 and mount it as part of the internal storage.
  • 🗑️ Delete pre-installed system applications (bloatware) via Titanium Backup.

Instructions for Link2SD:

  1. Install Link2SD and provide root access.
  2. Select application → “Create link” → check Dalvik Cache, Library and Data.
  3. Reboot your phone.

6.2. Replacing the memory chip (only for experienced users) On some smartphones (for example, on some smartphones (for example, on older models), you can physically replace the chip on a more capacious one. This is a complex procedure that requires:

On some smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S or Xiaomi Redmi older models) you can physically replace the chip eMMC or UFS to a more capacious one. This is a complex procedure requiring:

  • 🔨 Soldering equipment and experience with microelectronics.
  • 💻 Firmware with support for the new chip (otherwise the phone will not boot).
  • 🛠️ Donor chip with a compatible interface (for example, UFS 2.1 on UFS 2.1).

Replacement cost at a service center: from 3,000 to 10,000 ₽ (depending on the model). Risks: loss of warranty, failure of the motherboard, unstable operation of the system.

⚠️ Attention: replacing the memory chip with modern smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 or Google Pixel 7) is almost impossible due to the integration of memory into the processor (SoC) Before trying, check compatibility on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

6.3. Using an external one) SSD via OTG

If you need constantly work with large files (for example, video editing or RAW photo storage), connect an external SSD via USB-C OTG. The read/write speed will be higher than that of microSD. capacity can reach 2 TB.

Recommended models:

  • 💾 Samsung T7 Shield (1 TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, dust and moisture protection).
  • 💾 SanDisk Extreme Pro (500 GB, speed up to 1050 MB/s).
  • 💾 WD My Passport SSD (2 TB, USB-C, shockproof case).

For automatic mounting SSD when connecting, use Total Commander or Mixplorer with the plugin USB OTG.

7. How to prevent memory from filling up in the future

To avoid running out of memory every few months, set your phone to automatically optimize:

  • 🔄 Auto cleaning cache: Files by Google turn on “Automatic cleaning” (settings → Memory cleaning).
  • ☁️ Auto upload to the cloud: configure Google Photos or Yandex Disk to automatically download new photos and videos.
  • 📱 Limiting the cache for individual applications: in Greenify or AppOps you can block the background activity of “hungry” applications.
  • 📴 Control downloads in messengers: Telegram disable auto-downloading of media (Settings → Data and memory), WhatsApp limit downloads via the mobile network.
  • 🔍 Regular memory audit: once a month, check the occupied space through Settings → Storage.

Also pay attention to the settings cameras:

  • 📸 In Google Camera or the standard camera application, select format .JPEG instead of .RAW (saving up to 80% space).
  • 🎥 Limit video resolution: instead Shoot 4K/60fps in 1080p/30fps (the difference in weight is 3-5 times).
💡

Prevention is better than cure: set your phone to automatically clean and control downloads in instant messengers. This will eliminate the need to urgently free up space at the most inopportune moment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing memory on Android

Is it possible to increase the internal memory of a phone without a memory card?

Yes, but the methods are limited:

  • Clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary files and applications (frees up 1–5 GB).
  • Using cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
  • Connecting external SSD via OTG (temporary solution).

Hardware memory expansion (chip replacement) is only possible on older models and requires soldering work.

Why does it quickly fill up again after clearing the memory?

Reasons:

  • Automatic cache recovery by applications (especially social networks and instant messengers).
  • Hidden downloads in the background (for example, map updates in Google Maps).
  • Logs and system dumps (generated during crashes or updates).

Solution: disable background activity of unnecessary applications in Settings → Applications → [select application] → Battery → Background activity.

Can I use a memory card as internal on all phones?

No. The Adoptable Storage function (formatting the card as internal memory) is available with Android 6.0, but:

  • Some manufacturers disable it (for example, Samsung in One UI).
  • On Android 10+ a card formatted as internal memory may work slower due to encryption.
  • Class cards A1/A2 are better suited, but are still inferior in speed to internal memory.

Before purchasing a card, check compatibility with your phone model on the forums.

How to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?

It is impossible using standard means. But there are workarounds:

  1. Make a backup copy of chats in Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Delete WhatsApp and install again, selecting the memory card as the installation location (does not work on all phones).
  3. Use root and App2SD to force the transfer.

Attention: media files (WhatsApp/Media) can be transferred manually, but new files will be saved again to the internal memory.

Is it worth buying a phone with memory card support if I use the cloud?

Depends on your tasks:

  • ✅ Yesif you:
    • often without the Internet (