Android smartphones slow down over time due to accumulated garbage: application cache, residual files after uninstalling apps, duplicate photos and unnecessary downloads. Even flagship models begin to slow down after a year or two of operation if you do not keep the system clean. But how to choose a real assistant among dozens of “cleanup masters” on Google Play? Many of them promise wonderful acceleration, but in reality they only show ads or even harm the device.

In this guide, we tested 15 popular utilities for cleaning Android, selecting the best according to the criteria: scanning depth, impact on performance, data security and absence of hidden subscriptions. You'll learn which apps actually remove junk and which just pretend to work. We will pay special attention hidden functions of the built-in tool Files by Googlewhich many underestimate —it can replace paid analogues without risking privacy.

Why standard Android tools are not cope

Android has built-in cleaning mechanisms - for example, partition Settings → Storage → Free up space. However, these tools work superficially:

  • 🗑️ Removes only obvious garbage (browser cache, downloads), ignoring system residual files.
  • 🔍 Does not analyze duplicate photos, large unnecessary APKs or cache messengers.
  • ⚙️ They do not optimize startup and background processes that eat up RAM.

Moreover, in the latest versions of Android (13+), Google has limited access of third-party applications to some system folders. This means that even popular “cleaners” like CCleaner lost some of their functionality. But there are workarounds - we’ll talk about this in the section about manual cleaning.

⚠️ Attention: Applications that require rights root for “deep cleaning” can disrupt the system. In 2026, most banking apps and services (including Google Pay) block rooted devices.

Top 5 Android cleaning apps: a fair comparison

We tested the apps on three devices: Samsung Galaxy S22 (Android 14), Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (Android 13) and Google Pixel 6 (Android 15 Beta). There were five evaluation criteria: scanning depth, speed, impact on autonomy, presence of advertising and data security. The results are in the table below.

Application Cleaning depth Impact on the battery Advertising/Subscriptions Security
Files by Google ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (85%) Neutral Without excess water ✅ Data is not transferred to third parties
SD Maid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%) Moderate (background processes) Paid version (≈300₽) ✅ Open source
CCleaner ⭐⭐⭐ (70%) High (constant notifications) Aggressive advertising ⚠️ Data collection scandals (2022-2023)
Norton Clean ⭐⭐⭐ (75%) Low Subscription (from 500₽/year) ✅ Data encryption
AVG Cleaner ⭐⭐⭐ (68%) Average Advertising + subscription ⚠️ Owned by Avast (history of data sales)

SD Maid turned out to be the leader in cleaning depth, but requires manual configuration. Files by Google is the best balance for most users, especially if you value privacy. But CCleaner i AVG Cleaner sank on all fronts: they not only clean poorly, but also load the system with background processes.

📊 What application do you use to clean Android?
Files by Google
SD Maid
CCleaner
Norton Clean
Other/I don’t use

SD Maid: a tool for advanced users

SD Maid is not just a cleaner, but a full-fledged one file system manager with capabilities that cannot be found in standard utilities. The application can:

  • 🧹 Delete “orphan” files (remains after uninstalling applications).
  • 🔍 Find duplicate photos, including similar pictures with different resolutions.
  • 📦 Optimize application databases (speeds up the work of instant messengers).
  • 🚫 Block autoloading of unnecessary services (requires ADB).

The main disadvantage is the difficulty for beginners. For example, the function CorpseFinder (search for residual files) requires manual confirmation before deletion, so as not to erase important data. But there is no aggressive advertising, and the paid version (SD Maid Pro) costs only ~300 rubles one-time.

Disable scanning of system folders (risk of damaging the OS)|Enable search for duplicates in Settings → Duplicates|Add exceptions for important applications (for example, banking)|Use AppControl for management autoload-->

⚠️ Attention: The function SystemCleaner in SD Maid can delete files that are critical for the operation of some custom firmware (for example, LineageOSbefore use, create a backup copy). via TWRP or Swift Backup.

Files by Google: the hidden potential of a standard tool

Many users do not suspect that Files by Google (formerly Files Go) is not just a file manager, but a powerful cleaning tool. Unlike competitors, it:

  • 📱 Integrated into the system and does not require additional permissions.
  • 🔒 Does not transfer data to third parties (confirmed by independent audits).
  • 📊 Shows detailed statistics on occupied space (including “Other” files, which are usually hidden).

To activate hidden functions:

  1. Open the application and go to the tab Cleaning.
  2. Click Advanced → Delete unnecessary files.
  3. Enable the option Deep scanning (will appear after the first launch).

The function Free up space s is especially useful recommendations: it analyzes large files that have not been opened for a long time and suggests deleting them. For example, it will find a 2 GB video that you downloaded a year ago and forgot.

💡

In Files by Google there is a hidden function for transferring files without the Internet - Offline transfer. It works via Wi-Fi Direct at speeds of up to 20 MB/s, which is 5 times faster than Bluetooth.

What NOT to clean in Android (and why)

Many "cleaning wizards" suggest deleting Dalvik-cache or files *.dex, promising system acceleration. In fact, these are dangerous tipswhich can lead to:

  • 🐢 Slowdown (Android will rebuild the cache every time you start applications).
  • 🔄 Cyclic reboot (if the system is damaged files).
  • 📵 Loss of data (for example, game saves).

Also not worth:

  • ❌ Delete the folder Android/obb — game data is stored there (for example, graphic resources Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • ❌ Clear the cache Google Play Services —this will disrupt the operation of Push notifications.
  • ❌ Use “RAM boosters”—Android independently manages RAM, and forced clearing only increases battery consumption.
Why are RAM boosters harmful?

Forcing the release of RAM forces Android to reload frequently used applications, which wastes more energy than it saves. In addition, many “boosters” simply kill background processes, which is why notifications (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) arrive with a delay.

Manual cleaning: when no applications help

If your smartphone is clogged with “invisible” garbage, and standard utilities cannot cope, try manual methods:

  1. Clearing the cache of all applications: 
    adb shell pm trim-caches -f 100

    This command deletes the cache of all user applications without harming the data. Requires connection via ADB (instructions below).

  2. Deleting residual files:

    Manually check the folders:

    /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/

    /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/

    Files from deleted games often remain here (for example, folders com.tencent.ig from PUBG Mobile).

  3. Resetting system application cache:

    Go to Settings → Applications → Show system, select unnecessary services (for example, Google Play Musicif you don’t use) and click Clear cache + Stop.

For commands ADB you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (download from Google website).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number — press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
⚠️ Attention: The command adb shell pm clear will completely reset application data (including logins and saves). Use only for unnecessary apps!

How to avoid re-clogging your smartphone

Even after thorough cleaning, there will be garbage. accumulate again. To slow down this process:

  • 📱 Disable auto-loading of unnecessary applications:

    In SD Maid (section AppControl) or via ADB:

    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name

    Replace com.package.name package name (you can find out via App Inspector).

  • 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning:

    In Files by Google enable Auto-clean (will delete cache and downloads older than 30 days).

  • 📸 Optimize photo storage:

    In Google Photos activate Free up space —the originals will be saved in the cloud, and compressed copies will remain on the device.

  • 🔄 Regularly check “heavy” applications:

    B Settings → Battery → Battery usage sort by energy consumption - often forgotten games or editing software end up there video.

If you often install/uninstall applications, use Island (required for operation root or Shelter on basis Work Profile). This application creates a “sandbox” for testing software - after removal there will be no garbage left in the main system.

💡

The most effective way to prevent clogs is to limit background app activity. Even 10 unnecessary services in startup can reduce battery life by 15-20%.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning Android

Is it possible to clear the cache of all applications once a week?

No, it's pointless. The cache is created to speed up applications. Frequent cleaning will force them to rebuild temporary files, which will increase the load on the processor and reduce battery life. It is enough to clear the cache once every 1-2 months or if there is not enough space.

Is it true that clearing RAM speeds up a smartphone?

This is a myth. Android manages RAM independently: unused applications are put into sleep mode without consuming resources. Forcibly freeing RAM will only force the system to reload frequently used apps, which wastes more energy. The exception is if the device freezes due to a memory leak (for example, in older versions of Android 8-9).

What files can be safely deleted manually?

Safely deleted:

  • Folder contents Download (if files are not needed).
  • Browser cache (/Android/data/com.android.chrome/cache).
  • Deleted application folders in /Android/obb/ and /Android/data/ (check the name package!).
  • Duplicate photos/videos (use Google Photos or SD Maid to search).

Do not touch:

  • Folders Android/secure (data from the SD card is stored there).
  • Files with the extension .nomedia (they hide multimedia from the gallery).
  • System folders /system, /vendor, /boot.
Why is disk space not freed up after cleaning?

This happens due to:

  1. Hidden files: Folders like Android/obb may weigh gigabytes, but are not displayed in standard Explorer. Use Files by Google or Solid Explorer with showing hidden files enabled.
  2. File system errors: Run a check via ADB: 
    adb shell fsck /dev/block/mmcblk0pX

    (replace X with the partition number, you can find out through adb shell ls /dev/block).

  3. Backup storage: Some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi) reserve 5-10% of memory for system needs. This space is not displayed as free.
Which cleaning applications should definitely not be installed?

Avoid:

  • 🚫 Clean Master (Cheetah Mobile) - known for aggressive advertising and data collection.
  • 🚫 DU Speed Booster - contains malicious modules (blocked on Google Play in 2026, but available on third parties sites).
  • 🚫 360 Security - Chinese software with a dubious privacy policy.
  • 🚫 Any “cleaners” that require root for no apparent reason.

Before installing, check the application for Google Play (read reviews for the last 3 months) and through the service VirusTotal.