Owners of devices based on the Android operating system are often faced with a situation where the internal memory of the smartphone is full of incomprehensible files. One of the most mysterious objects for many users is the directory named ShareIt. It can take up gigabytes of precious space, causing the gadget to slow down and not have enough space to install new applications.
Many users get scared when they see a lot of files with .apk, .jpg or .mp4 extensions in this folder and wonder: is this a virus? It’s important to reassure us right away: this is the standard cache of a popular file hosting service. However, thoughtless deletion of system files can disrupt the operation of the app, so it is necessary to clearly understand the structure and purpose of each element stored in this directory.
In this article we will examine in detail, The ShareIt folder is the storage of all received and sent files, as well as temporary application datawhich is not automatically cleared by default. We will look at safe methods for freeing up space, learn how to change the default save path and answer frequently asked questions related to optimizing the operation of this service on your device.
What is the ShareIt application and why do you need it
Application ShareIt (also known as SHAREit) is one of the most popular tools for wireless data transfer between mobile devices and computers. Unlike Bluetooth, which is slow, or mobile data, which requires paying for traffic, this service uses Wi-Fi Direct technology. This allows you to transfer files of any size at high speed without using up megabytes of your data plan.
The main function of the app is to create a local access point. When you send a photo or video, your smartphone essentially becomes a router that the recipient connects to. This is why the data transfer process occurs so quickly. However, for correct operation, any software requires a place to temporarily store buffer data, and ShareIt is no exception.
Users often underestimate the capabilities of this tool, using it only to transfer photos. In fact, you can use it to transfer application installation files, contacts, music, and even stream video from your phone to your TV. All these actions leave traces in the file system, which accumulate over time.
⚠️ Attention: Some modified versions of the application may contain aggressive advertising or hidden miners. Always download software only from official stores such as Google Play or the App Store to avoid infecting your device.
Where the ShareIt folder is physically located on your smartphone
Finding a specific directory in the Android file system may not be obvious, since the path depends on the version of the operating system and the shell manufacturer. In older versions of Android (up to version 10-11), files were most often located in the root of the internal memory. The user could easily find them through a standard explorer.
With the release of new versions of Android, Google tightened its security policy and limited application access to the root file system. Now most data, including media files ShareIthas been moved to a protected system directive. This is done to ensure that no application can scan or modify the files of other apps without permission.
- 📁 Standard path (old Android): Internal memory → ShareIt
- 📁 System path (Android 11+): Internal memory → Android → media → com.lenovo.anyshare.gps
- 📁 Path for SD card: SD card → ShareIt (if saving to external media is selected in the settings)
- 📁 Hidden files: In some cases, a hidden folder may be created.ShareIt in the system root
To access the folder on new versions of the OS, you may need a third-party file manager with advanced rights, since the standard explorer sometimes hides the contents of the folder Android/media. This is not a bug, but a feature of the security system.
Content structure: what is stored inside
Looking inside the directory, you will see many subfolders with names that may seem like a meaningless set of characters or standard names. Understanding the structure will help you delete only unnecessary things without affecting important configuration files.
Media files usually take up the bulk of the space. This is all the photos, videos and music you've ever received or sent through the app. Even if you deleted the original from the gallery, its copy may remain in the cache ShareIt.
| Folder name | Content type | Is it possible to delete |
|---|---|---|
| received_files | All received files (photos, videos, documents) | Yes, if not needed |
| sent_files | Copies of the files you sent | Yes, the originals usually remain |
| apk | Android application installation files | Yes, after installation |
| temp | Temporary transfer buffer data | Yes, safe |
| log | Technical logs of the app's operation | Yes, for ordinary users |
The folder apkdeserves special attention. Many users transfer games and apps through ShareIt installers so as not to waste Internet on another device. After successful installation of the application, these files become useless garbage that continues to take up space.
Is it safe to delete files from this folder
The question of the safety of deleting files from this directory worries many. The short answer is yes, it is safe to delete the contents of your media folders. This will not break the operating system or reset the smartphone itself.
However, it is worth distinguishing between deleting files and deleting the folder itself or the application executable file. If you simply clear the contents of subfolders received or sent, the app will continue to work correctly. The next time it transfers, it will simply create new files. Problems may arise if you try to delete the directory structure itself while the transfer process is active.
What happens if you delete a folder during the transfer?
If you delete files or a folder while data is being transferred, the process will be interrupted. The file that was being transferred at this moment will be damaged and will not open. The app itself may give an error and close, but after a restart it will restore its folder structure automatically.
There is an important nuance related to access rights. On modern Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei smartphones, additional permissions may be required for the file manager so that it can change the contents of the system folder Android. Without these rights, you simply cannot clear the garbage, but this does not mean that the files are protected from deletion forever.
- ✅ Safe: Deleting photos, videos, music and apk files inside subfolders.
- ✅ Safe: Clearing the cache through the app settings.
- ⚠️ With caution: Deleting files with the extension .cfg or .db (settings and databases).
- ❌ Not recommended: Deleting the ShareIt folder itself through system tools without superuser rights.
⚠️ Attention: Before mass cleaning, make sure that among the files there are no important documents or rare photos that you saved only in this place and forgot to transfer to the cloud or to your computer.
How to properly clear memory of garbage ShareIt
There are several proven ways to free up space. The simplest and most reliable method is to use the built-in cleaning tools of the application itself. This ensures that you do not delete anything unnecessary and do not violate the integrity of the app database.
To do this, open the application, go to the “My Files” or “Tools” section (the name may differ depending on the version). There's usually a "Cleanup" or "Trash" button. The system will automatically analyze the contents and offer to delete temporary files, duplicates and old APK installations.
☑️ Complete cleaning checklist
If the built-in cleaning did not help or the application does not work correctly, you can use the manual method through the file manager. Find the path described in the second section of the article and manually select all the files in the received_files and sent_filesfolders, then click the delete button. This method is more radical and allows you to visually control the process.
Tip: For quick cleaning, use the “Files” function in the ShareIt application itself, sort the files by date and select the “All time” range to delete everything at once with one button.
How to change the default location for saving files
One of the most useful features that not all users know about is the ability to change the save path. By default, all files are sent to internal memory, which is often limited to 32 or 64 gigabytes. If your device has a slot for a microSD memory card, it is more logical to configure saving there.
To do this, go to the application settings (usually a gear icon or three dots in the corner). Find the "Storage Settings" or "Save Path" section. There you can select “SD card”. After this, all new received files will be written to external media, freeing up system memory for the operating system to operate.
It is important to note that when changing the path, old files will not be moved automatically. You'll have to manually copy them from the internal memory to the card if you want to free up space right away. Also make sure that your memory card has sufficient write speed (class 10 and above), otherwise there may be delays when transferring heavy video files.
Moving the save path to an SD card is the most effective way to prevent the main memory of your smartphone from becoming full in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely delete the ShareIt application and its folders?
Yes, you can completely delete the application through your smartphone settings. When uninstalling a app, the system usually prompts you to also clear all associated data and folders. If you don't plan to use the file sharing service anymore, this is a safe operation that will free up a lot of space.
Why does the ShareIt folder take up so much space if I haven't transferred anything in a long time?
The application does not automatically delete the transfer history. All files ever received or sent are stored in memory. In addition, the folder may contain “orphaned” fragments of interrupted transmissions or a cache of preview images that have been accumulating for months.
Is the com.lenovo.anyshare.gps file a virus?
No, this is the system package name for the SHAREit application (developed by Lenovo/Beijing Zhidong Technology). If you installed the application from an official source, this file is safe. However, viruses can disguise themselves as system processes, so checking with an antivirus will not be superfluous.
How to transfer files without creating a copy in memory?
Unfortunately, the application's operating mechanism involves data buffering. Creating files in memory during transfer cannot be completely avoided because the system needs temporary storage space. However, you can clear the folder immediately after the transfer or set it to save to an SD card.
What if the files in the folder are not deleted?
If the files are not deleted, the application process may still be running in the background. Try closing the application completely (unload it from RAM) or restart your smartphone. In rare cases, it is necessary to provide special permissions to the file manager through a pop-up window of the Android system.