To download more apps and media, or help your phone run better, you can clear space on your phone.
- Storage is where you keep data, like music and photos.
- Memory is where you run programs, like apps and the Android system.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Free up storage
See what's using storage
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap a category.
Free up storage automatically
To clear backed-up photos and videos automatically when your phone’s storage is almost full:
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Storage.
- Turn on Smart Storage.
Free up storage yourself
To pick from a list of photos, videos, and apps that you haven't used recently:
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap Manage storage.
- To pick something to delete, tap the empty box on the right. (If nothing is listed, tap Browse.)
- To delete the selected items, at the bottom, tap Free up.
To pick from all data:
Remove photosRemove backed-up photos & videos
If you back up with Google Photos, you can delete the copies on your phone. You can see the backed-up copies in the app using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Learn how to delete photos and videos from your phone.
Remove downloaded movies, music & other media
To delete content from Google Play:
- Open the Google Play app with the content, like Play Music or Play Movies & TV.
- Tap the Menu
Settings
Manage downloads.
- Tap Downloaded
Remove.
To delete content from other sources, delete from the app that you used to download it.
Uninstall apps you don't use
If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. If you paid for the app, you won't have to buy it again. Learn how to uninstall apps.
Clear the app's cache & data
- Clear cache: Deletes temporary data. Some apps can open slower the next time you use them.
- Clear data storage: Permanently deletes all app data. We recommend trying to delete from inside the app first.
Delete downloaded files
To learn how to find and remove downloaded files, go to your device manufacturer’s support site.
Tip: To see more files that are using space on your phone, open your Settings app Storage
Files
a folder.
Copy files to a computer
You can move files and folders to a computer with a USB cable, and then delete them from your phone. Learn how to transfer files between your phone and computer.
Check & free up memory
Android manages the memory that apps use. You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, try closing the app. Learn how to troubleshoot apps that aren't working.
Tip: If you think an app is using too much memory, you can delete the app. Learn how to uninstall apps.