Android Phone Storage Full Even After Deleting Files
Mabye it happens woth you that you have cleared your phone's unnecessary photos, videos and apps but still your phone's storage remains full?
This is most common problem in android phones. Often, the actual problem isn't the photos or videos. Your phone is filled with unwanted cache files, trash folders, whatsapp media, app data, download and hidden temporary files are consuming storage. So, in this guide we'll guide you simple to advanced methods to free your phone storage.
Important :- Don't delete any unknown systwm file manually. methods that given below is safe, but before deleting anything you must take backup of important photos, folders and videos is best (To avoid data loss)
1. Firstly, Check Which File Is Consuming Space
Don't start deleting files right away. Usually, the option appears something like this:
Settings ➡ Storage
The options may be different according to phone's brand
You can see categories here:
• Apps
• Images
• Videos
• Audio
• Documents
• Downloads
• System
• Other
For example if there videos are taking too much space then the solution is simple just delete the unnecessary videos same in case of others but if you are seeing a 128GB phone contains only 10–15GB of photos/videos but shows over 50GB under "Other" or apps, then you must Investigate storage usage properly.
2. Trash/Bin Folder
This is the most common reason. You delete photos or videos from gallery and thinks that the storage had been cleared but it gets store in trash/bin folder. They didn't get permanently delete.
Follow these steps to check:
• Open Gallery
• Find Trash / Bin / Recently Deleted and just delete unnecessary photos or videos permanentaly. If you use google photos then you must check its bin folder also.
Warning: Recovering files normally can be difficult or impossible after emptying the bin. Therefore, check for important photos and videos before deleting.
3. Whatsapp Storage
Don't ignore Whatsapp Storage. If you use whatsapp heavily then this will be the big reason of storage problem.
In WhatsApp groups:
• Videos
• Photos
• GIFs
• Voice Messages
• Documents
• Stickers
They keep accumulating very quietly. follow these steps to fix this
Open Whatsapp
Settings → Storage and data → Manage storage
You can find lagre files here firstly check large videos and delete unwanted videos for free space.
4. Control Whatsapp Auto-Download
Only deleting old files isn't enough, If WhatsApp keeps automatically downloading every photo and video, the storage will fill up again.
To Fix This:-
• Open Whatsapp then Settings → Storage and data → Media auto-download
You can control unnecessary automatic downloads by going to this section. It is good especially in saving mobile data and storage
Simple Strategy
Manually download only the media you want to view. This prevents unnecessary files from automatically accumulating on your phone.
5. Check Downloads Folder
Peoples forget to check this folder
They download files from browser such as Apk files, PDFs, Zip Files, Images etc...
and they continually consume your phone storage
So dont forget to check Downloads Folder and delete unnecessary files from here
6. Check Cache Of Apps
There is a important difference in android
There are two options Clear Data and Clear Cache. These two options are not same
Clear Cache :- It removes only temporary files
Clear Data :- The app's local data gets reset or deleted, and you are logged out of the app.
So, for normal storage cleanup clear cache option is good.
7. Social Media Apps Storage
Social media apps load images and videos continousally. this is why social media apps cache get increased over time.
If you find the storage usage of a particular app is unusually high, then go to Settings → Apps → App → Storage
(But Don't press Clear Storage/Data without understanding)
8. Uninstall Unused Apps
Many peoples forget apps after installing them. Just delete the apps which you don't need, if you don't want to uninstall the unused app clear its storage/data.
Heavy games consumes too much storage so try to delete them (If they are unused)
9. Check Offline Videos And Downloads
If download offline content in social media apps then this could also be a reason for the storage being nearly full. You don't even realize it, but your storage keeps filling up.
Remove the old content from these apps to let the storage to be free. Speacially useful for 64GB mobile phone
10. Don't panic if "Other storage" is high
If the 'Other' category appears large in Android storage, it does not mean there is a virus.
In 'Other' category different types of data can be filled. Depending on phone manufacturer and android version. This may include temporary data, app-related files, and certain categories that have not been separately classified.
Steps To Fix:
• Check Storage Breakdown
• Identify Large Apps
• Remove Unwanted Downloads
• Check Messaging Apps Data
• Check Apps Cache
• Restart Your Phone
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Don't Do These Mistakes
You can find too many videos on internet saying that deleting this folder would give you 10GB.
Don't delete any folder without understanding. Android's internal folders may contain important app or system data. If you don't know the purpose of any folder then don't delete it wothout identifying
Similarly, downloading third party phone cleaner apps may be risky. Andoid already provides storage management tools
How much storage should be kept free?
Filling your phone's storage to 100% is generally not a good idea.
If storage was alomst completely full then:
• You might face problems while updating apps.
• The phone might feel lagging.
• You might run out of space for temporary files.
This is why you must always keep some free space. especally if you use heavy games, heavy apps and videos.
Exact requirnmemt depends on phone.
Quick 10-Minute Storage Cleanup
If you have less time, then follow these order
Step 1
Gallery → Trash/Bin
Step 2
File Manager → Downloads
Step 3
WhatsApp → Manage Storage
Step 4
Settings → Apps → Large apps
Step 5
Uninstall unused apps
Step 6
Check heavy apps cache
Step 7
offline videos/music content remove.
Step 8
Restart The Phone
FAQs
My Android phone storage is full; what should I delete?
First, check Downloads, Trash/Bin, WhatsApp media, large videos, and unused apps.
Should you install a phone cleaner app?
You usually don't need a third-party cleaner app for basic cleanup. First, use Android's built-in storage tools and individual app settings.
Is it safe to clear the cache?
Generally, clearing app cache is safe, but clearing storage or data is different and can reset the app's local data.
