How to Free Up Storage on Your Phone Without Deleting Memories
Phone storage full? Free up gigabytes safely by clearing caches, offloading apps and backing up photos first.
Do not delete photos first
When storage runs out, most people delete photos, but that is rarely the best first step. Start with caches, downloads and apps you never use, and back up your photos before you delete anything precious.
1. Check what is using space
On Android, go to Settings, then Storage. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. You will see whether apps, photos, system files or downloads are the real problem.
2. Clear app caches
Social and browser apps can store gigabytes of cache. Clear the cache for large apps in their settings, or in Android app info. Do not clear data unless you are happy to log in again.
3. Remove downloads and old files
Open your Files or Downloads folder and delete old PDFs, videos, memes and installation files. Also check WhatsApp media, which often hides large videos.
4. Back up photos, then use cloud storage
Turn on Google Photos or iCloud backup, wait until the backup finishes, then use the free-up-space option. Your photos stay in the cloud and you can download any of them again.
5. Offload unused apps
iPhone can offload unused apps automatically, keeping their data. On Android, uninstall apps you have not opened in months. You can always reinstall them later.
6. Keep 10 percent free
Phones slow down when storage is almost full. Aim to keep at least 10 percent free, and repeat this cleanup every month or two.