Free Up Android Storage: 5 Google-Recommended Files to Delete

Are you facing a dreaded 'storage full' notification on your Android phone? It's a common problem, especially as our devices get filled with photos, videos, apps, and other files. But don't despair! Google has some helpful tips to free up space on your Android phone and keep it running smoothly.

1. Declutter Your Photos and Videos

Photos and videos are major storage space hogs. High-resolution images and videos take up a lot of space on your device, quickly filling up your precious storage. Here's how to declutter your photo library:

• Delete Unused Photos: Go through your photo gallery and delete photos you no longer need or that are blurry or duplicates.
• Back Up Photos to Google Photos: Google Photos offers free, unlimited storage for photos and videos (with some compression). Back up your photos and videos to Google Photos to free up space on your device.

How to Delete Photos on Android:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Tap and hold the photo or video you want to delete.
4. Tap the 'Delete' button at the top of the screen.

2. Manage Your Media Files

Music and videos downloaded to your phone, whether from streaming services or your own collection, can contribute significantly to storage issues. Here are some solutions:

• Delete Unnecessary Music and Videos: Review your downloads and delete music and videos you no longer listen to or watch.
• Archive Files: If you want to keep certain media files, consider archiving them instead of deleting them completely. You can always access archived files later.

3. Streamline Your Apps

We all love our apps, but chances are, you have some apps you don't use regularly. Here's how to free up space by managing your apps:

• Delete Unused Apps: Go through your list of installed apps and uninstall any you haven't used in a while. You can always download them again later if needed.
• Use App Libraries: Organize apps you don't use frequently into app libraries to keep your home screens clean and uncluttered. This makes it easier to find the apps you need without taking up valuable space on your home screen.

4. Clean App Cache and Data

Apps accumulate temporary data and cache files over time. Clearing these files can free up significant storage space. Here's the difference between cache and data:

• Cache: Temporary data that helps apps load faster. Clearing the cache won't delete your app data.
• Data: Permanent data stored by the app, such as settings, login information, and saved progress. Deleting data will reset the app to its default settings.

How to Clear App Cache and Data:

1. Go to your phone's 'Settings' app.
2. Select 'Apps & notifications' or 'Apps'.
3. Choose the app you want to clear cache and data from.
4. Tap 'Storage & cache'.
5. Select 'Clear cache' or 'Clear data'.

5. Manage Downloaded Files

Downloaded files, such as documents, software, or other files you've downloaded from the internet, can consume storage space. Review your downloads and delete any files you no longer need. You can also use file management apps to help organize and delete downloaded files.

6. Use Automatic App Archiving (Optional)

If you're hesitant to delete apps entirely, Google Play Store offers an optional feature called 'Auto-archive apps'. This feature automatically archives apps you haven't used recently, freeing up storage space. You can easily restore archived apps later. Here's how to enable it:

1. Go to the Play Store.
2. Open the 'Settings' menu.
3. Select 'General'.
4. Toggle the 'Auto-archive apps' option on.

By implementing these simple tips, you can reclaim valuable storage space on your Android phone and ensure it runs smoothly. Regularly cleaning up your device will keep your phone running like new and prevent those dreaded storage full notifications.