How to Free Up Android Storage
First check in Settings where storage is used, then clear junk and duplicates with Files by Google, and remove backed-up photos from the phone with Google Photos. Checking the backup before deleting is the most important step.
What you'll learn in this guide
- Checking where storage is used
- Clearing junk and duplicates with Files by Google
- Removing backed-up photos from the phone with Google Photos
In this guide
1First see where storage is used
Find out what is taking the most space.
- Open the Settings app and tap Storage.
- Select a category and see what is using the most space.
2Clear junk with Files by Google
Review and delete junk and duplicate files.
- Open Files by Google and tap Menu > Clean.
- On the Junk files card, tap Clean xx MB.
- On the confirmation dialogue, tap Clear.
- In Files by Google, review and delete duplicate files and recommended files.
3Remove backed-up photos with Google Photos
Remove only photos that are already backed up.
- Open Google Photos and first confirm your photos are backed up.
- Tap your profile photo and choose Free up space on this device.
- Check how much space will be freed, then tap Free up [x] from device.
- In Settings > Storage > Free up space, manually select old photos, videos and apps and tap Move files to Trash.
💡 Pro Tip
Clear junk files first, because Files by Google says app settings are not affected, and always check the backup before deleting photos.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see what is using the most storage?
Open Settings > Storage and select a category.
Will clearing junk files harm app settings?
No, Files by Google says app settings are not affected.
Can junk files be recovered after clearing?
No, Files by Google says the data will be permanently deleted.
Where are photos deleted from with Google Photos Free up space?
Only from the phone; the backed-up photos stay in the Google Photos library.
Will photos less than 30 days old also be removed from the phone?
Google says photos and videos fewer than 30 days old may be retained on the device, while still backed up.