Smartphone owners Samsung sooner or later encounter the "Memory is full" notification - even if the device was purchased recently. The reason is not always the small storage capacity: often the culprit is the application cache, duplicate photos, unnecessary APK files, or “garbage” that remains after updates. It has its own cleaning nuances: for example, the proprietary shell offers built-in tools that are not available on bare Android. But few people use them correctly. Android from Samsung has its own cleaning nuances: for example, a proprietary shell One UI offers built-in tools that are not available on bare Android. But few people use them correctly.

In this article - 7 working methods free up memory on Samsung Galaxy (from S21 to A54), including hidden functions that are not mentioned written in standard instructions. We will look at which files can be deleted without risk to the system, how to automate cleaning, and why sometimes it is better to transfer data to a memory card than to erase it. And also - a unique method of resetting the cache through recovery mode, which helps even when the phone slows down due to full memory.

1. Built-in One UI tools: what you can clean without risk

Shell One UI from Samsung contains several built-in tools for clearing memory, but most users do not use them. The first step is to open Settings → Device care → Memory. Here the system automatically analyzes the occupied space and suggests optimizing it.

What can be safely deleted:

  • 🗑️ Unnecessary files and cache: temporary application data that does not affect their operation, but takes up to 1-3 GB.
  • 📁 Duplicate photos/videos: One UI finds identical pictures, including screenshots with minimal differences.
  • 📥 Downloads: APK files, outdated documents and media that you haven’t opened for a long time.
  • 🎮 Unused games: Samsung suggests deleting games that have not been played for more than 30 days (but saves progress in the cloud if synchronization is enabled).

Important: do not manually delete folders Android, data or obb —this may break applications. Instead, use the “Clear" button next to each item in the menu Device care.

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

2. Manual cleaning: which folders and files can be deleted

If the built-in tools didn’t help, you’ll have to dig deeper. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (for example Solid Explorer or standard My file ot Samsung). The main memory “eaters”:

Folder/file typeWhat can be deletedRisks
DCIM/.thumbnailsThumbnails of photos and videos (automatically restored)No
DownloadOld APK, PDF, archivesDeleting necessary files
Android/obbFiles of games that have not been played for a long timeYou will have to download again
Pictures/ScreenshotsScreenshots older than 6 monthsNo
cache (in the root of application folders)Cache of individual applicationsThe application may slow down at first startup

Pay special attention to the folder Android/data —game and application data is stored here. You cannot delete it entirely, but you can clean it manually:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Telegram or Instagram).
  3. Click "Storage» → «Clear cache».
  4. For games: "Clear data" (but this will delete progress!).
💡

If you are not sure what can be deleted, transfer suspicious files on your PC or memory card, and after a week check if something is broken on your phone.

3. Transferring data to a memory card or cloud

If there is a serious lack of memory and you don’t want to delete anything, transfer the data to microSD or to the cloud. data-i="107">this is done in two clicks: Samsung this is done in two clicks:

Method 1: Transfer to a memory card

  • 📱 Insert a memory card (if supported).
  • 📂 Open My file → Internal storage.
  • 🔄 Select files (photos, videos, music) → "Move" → select a card.

Method 2: Automatic synchronization with Samsung Cloud

  • ☁️ Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.
  • 🔄 Enable synchronization for "Gallery», «Contact" and "Notes».
  • 📱 After downloading, the files can be deleted from the phone (they will remain in the cloud).
What to do if the phone does not see the memory card?

Check the card format (should be FAT32 or exFAT). If Samsung does not support the card, try formatting it via your phone: Settings → Device care → Memory → Memory card → Format.

4. Resetting the cache via Recovery Mode (for experienced ones)

If the phone is slow due to full memory, and standard methods do not help, try resetting the cache via recovery mode. This will not delete your data, but will clear system garbage that has accumulated over the years.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume up + Power button (on some models — Volume up + Bixby + Power).
  3. When the logo appears Samsung, release the buttons.
  4. To the menu Recovery select Wipe cache partition (control with the volume buttons, select with the power button).
  5. After cleaning, reboot the phone (Reboot system now).
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Resetting the cache via Recovery Mode does not delete photos, applications or settings. It clears only temporary system files, which can take up to 1-2 GB.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition with Wipe data/factory reset —the second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings!

5. Removing system applications (without root)

Samsung preinstalls many unnecessary applications (for example, Samsung Free, Bixby, Game Launcher), which take up space and run in the background. It is impossible to delete them completely without rights root but you can disable:

Method 1: Through settings

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Click on the three dots → "Show system ones».
  3. Select an unnecessary application (for example, Samsung Pay) → «Disable».

Method 2: Via ADB (for advanced)

If you need to remove the application completely, connect the phone to the PC and use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package name

To find out the name of the package, use:

adb shell pm list packages | grep'samsung'

Make sure that the application is not needed for the phone to work

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the package name via ADB or App Inspector

Disable the application before deleting (in case of error)-->

6. Storage optimization: how to prevent re-filling

Clearing memory is a new solution. To prevent the problem from returning, set up your phone correctly:

  • 📸 Automatic uploading of media to the cloud: Enable Google Photos or Samsung Cloud automatic uploading of photos/videos and configure the deletion of local copies after backup.
  • 🗑️ Scheduled cache clearing: Use Smart Manager (in older versions One UI) or third-party applications like SD Maid for automatic cleaning.
  • 📥 Limiting downloads: Chrome or Samsung Internet set up saving files directly to the memory card: Browser settings → Downloads → Save location.
  • 🎮 Game control: In Google Play turn off automatic updating of games over the mobile network: Settings → Automatic application updates → Only via Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: On models Samsung s Android 13+ i One UI 5.0+ some optimization functions work differently. For example, automatic cache clearing may be disabled by default. Check the settings in Device care → Settings (⚙️) → Automatic optimization.

7. Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If none of the methods help, and the memory is still full, it remains Full reset. This will delete everything, including apps, photos and settings, so first:

  1. Make a backup via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.
  2. Save important files to PC or memory card.
  3. Write logins/passwords for accounts (they will not be saved after resetting).

How to reset:

  1. Go to Settings → General settings → Reset.
  2. Select "Reset data" (do not confuse with "Reset settings»!).
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, the phone will be like new. Do not restore all the data at once - install only the essentials first, to avoid refilling the memory.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on Samsung

Is it possible to delete the Android folder on Samsung?

No, the folder Android contains application and game data. Deleting it will cause apps to malfunction. To do this, clear the cache of specific applications via Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache.

Why does the memory quickly fill up again after clearing?

Reasons: automatic application update, social media cache (especially TikTok and Instagram), unoptimized games or background cloud synchronization. Set up restrictions in Google Play and disable auto-downloading of media in instant messengers.

How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on?

Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable and use ADB (if debugging is enabled) or remove the memory card (if the data is on it) through the adapter. To perform a complete reset, hold down Volume up + Power during boot and select Wipe data/factory reset.

Is it worth using applications to clear memory (for example, Clean Master)?

No, most of these applications themselves consume resources and show false warnings. For Samsung there are enough built-in tools in Device care.

How to transfer applications to a memory card on Samsung?

On new models Samsung (with Android 9+) transfer of applications to the memory card is blocked. An alternative is to use the card as internal memory (formatted as part of the system), but this will reduce its operating speed.