Owners of budget smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy A10are often faced with an annoying message about not enough free space. Particularly scary is the “Other” item in the storage, which can take up gigabytes of valuable memory, blocking the installation of new apps or downloading photos. This section is often called “garbage” because it contains cache, temporary files and remnants of deleted applications that the system cannot automatically classify.
Understanding the nature of this section is the first step to successful optimization of the device. System junk it accumulates unnoticed by the user while surfing the Internet, watching videos on social networks and using instant messengers. Ignoring this problem leads to a noticeable slowdown in the interface and even unexpected shutdowns of applications.
In this detailed guide, we will look at proven methods that will help you safely remove unnecessary data. We will not use third-party “memory killer” apps, which often consume resources themselves, but will use built-in tools Android and proven manual cleaning techniques available to every user.
What is hidden in the “Other” category on Samsung
Before you start deleting, you need to clearly understand what exactly is taking up space. In the operating system Androidwhich is installed on Samsung A10, the "Other" section (sometimes called "System Data") is storage for files that do not fall into standard categories like "Photos", "Audio" or "Applications". This includes cache files browsers, temporary data from streaming services and system operation logs.
Particular attention should be paid to instant messengers, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. They often save received media files in hidden folders, which the system perceives as “Other”. There may also be residual files here after uninstalling games or apps that the developers forgot to register for automatic cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Not all files in this section are safe to delete. System logs may be needed to debug errors, and deleting important configuration files may reset application settings.
Analyzing the contents of this section requires care. Users often confuse the system cache with important documents. To avoid data loss, always check the file creation date and its extension before deleting. Memory optimization Must be done regularly to keep the device running smoothly.
Using Samsung's built-in optimizer
The safest and easiest way to start cleaning is use standard tools from the manufacturer. The shell One UI (or earlier versions of the interface on A10) already contains powerful algorithms for searching for garbage. To start the process, go to Settings → Device maintenance → Memory. The system will conduct a quick analysis and offer to delete temporary files.
The built-in optimizer works in safe mode, so the risk of deleting something important is minimal. It scans browser cache folders, leftover installation packages, and unused files. Click the button Clean nowto start the process. This usually frees up from 100 MB to 1 GB of space, which is critical for models with a small amount of built-in memory.
After standard cleaning, it is recommended to restart the device. This action is necessary for the file system to redistribute the freed space and close background processes that could again begin to generate temporary files. Reboot is a simple but effective step in maintaining a smartphone.
Manually clearing application and browser caches
If automatic cleaning does not give the desired result, you will have to act manually. The largest amount of data in the “Other” section is usually generated by browsers and social networks. Go to Settings → Applications, find Chrome, Samsung Internet or YouTube. Inside the menu of each application, select the item Storageand then click Clear cache.
It is important not to confuse the “Clear cache” button with the “Clear” button data." The second option will completely reset the application to its factory state, deleting your logins, passwords and settings. Cache these are only temporary images and scripts that can be restored from the network. For browsers, clearing the cache often frees up several hundred megabytes.
☑️ Checking junk applications
Pay special attention to instant messengers. B Telegram, for example, you can set up automatic cache clearing in the application settings itself so that media files do not take up the phone’s memory. In WhatsApp it is better to use the built-in storage management through the chat menu, deleting large video files, which often weigh the most.
Search and delete hidden files through the file manager
For deeper cleaning, you will need a file manager. Samsung A10 The My Files application is preinstalled. Open it and go to the “Internal Memory” section. Here you need to look for folders with the names of deleted applications or system directories like Android/data and Android/obb.
The folder Download often accumulates installation files .apkthat are no longer needed after installing apps. They can be safely deleted. Also check the folder DCIM/.thumbnails —thumbnails of your photos are stored here, which can grow up to gigabytes. Deleting the contents of this folder is safe, the system will create new thumbnails as needed.
| File type/Folder | Can you delete? | Risk of data loss | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
.apk to Download |
Yes | No | Delete safely |
log files |
Yes | No | Safe for user |
thumbnails |
Yes | No | Frees up a lot of space |
| System application folders | No | High | Do not touch without experience |
When working with the file system, be extremely careful. Deleting the Android folder can lead to data loss in all games and applications, so never delete entire system directories if you are not 100% sure of their contents. It's better to delete specific files inside them.
Clearing through Recovery Mode
There is a more advanced method available on devices Samsung - clearing the partition cache through the recovery menu. This will not delete your personal photos or contacts, but it will clear the system cache that may have become corrupted or grown large. To enter this mode, turn off the phone completely.
Press the Volume Up and Powerbuttons simultaneously. Some firmware versions may require connecting a USB cable to the computer. When the logo Samsungappears, release the Power button, but continue to hold down the volume. In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons, and selection is made using the power button.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
If the Recovery menu does not appear, try connecting the phone to the PC with a cable before turning it on. On newer versions of Android, this is a prerequisite for entering recovery mode. Also make sure that the phone is completely turned off and not just rebooted.
Select the item Wipe Cache Partition and confirm the action. After the process is completed, select Reboot system now. The download may take longer than usual - this is normal as the system rebuilds the cache. This method is especially effective after major system updates.
Prevention of memory overflow on Samsung A10
The model A10 has a limited amount of internal memory (usually 32 GB), of which about 20 GB is available to the user. To avoid returning to the cleaning problem every week, change your usage habits. Install a memory card microSD and transfer all photos, videos and music to it. In the camera settings, specify saving new pictures directly to the card.
Use cloud services or streaming instead of storing files locally. Services like Google Photos allow you to store media in the cloud, freeing up space on your device with one button. Regularly check the list of installed applications and delete those that you have not used for more than a month.
Use “light” versions of applications (Lite), such as Facebook Lite or Google Go. They take up much less space and consume less RAM, which is critical for the Samsung A10.
Regular maintenance is the key to fast operation of the smartphone. It is enough to go through the list of heavy applications once a month and clear their cache. This will prevent the accumulation of a critical mass of garbage in the “Other” section and keep the device’s performance at a high level.
An integrated approach (automatic cleaning + manual deletion of cache + memory card) allows you to comfortably use the Samsung A10 even with a minimum amount of built-in memory.
Is it safe to delete files from the Android/data folder?
You can only delete the contents of folders of deleted games or applications. If you delete an active application's folder, it may stop working or reset its settings. Be careful and delete only what you are sure of.
Why do you quickly run out of space again after cleaning?
Most likely, you have autosave enabled in messengers or the applications are updated and create a new cache. Check your WhatsApp and Telegram settings by disabling media downloading over the mobile network and limiting autosaving.
Can a virus take up space in the “Other” section?
Yes, some malware disguises itself as system processes and generates garbage. If cleaning does not help, check your phone with an antivirus, for example, the built-in one Samsung Knox or Google Play Protect.
Will clearing the cache reset my passwords in the browser?
Clearing the “Cache” will not affect saved passwords and browsing history. However, if you select “Clear Data”, then all settings, logins and passwords in that particular application will be deleted.