Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If Android says storage is almost full, remove or move files you no longer need; if the device is slow, troubleshoot performance instead. Storage keeps items such as photos and downloads, while memory (RAM) is used by Android and running apps. The fixes are different, and routinely closing every app usually is not necessary.
First check whether storage is full or the device is slow
Open Settings > Storage and review the categories taking up space. The exact labels and available actions vary by device and Android version. Google notes that some of its storage instructions apply only to Android 14 and later. If you cannot find a setting, consult your device maker’s instructions.
If there is no storage warning and the main problem is lag, skip broad file deletion for now and use the performance steps below. Google says a phone can start having issues when less than 10% of its storage is free; treat that as Google’s troubleshooting guidance, not a universal threshold for every device.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree storage by removing or moving items you recognize
Review downloads and offline media
Delete downloaded files you no longer need, or remove offline music, videos, maps, and other media from the app that downloaded them. Check the file or app before deleting: removing an offline copy may mean downloading it again later, while deleting a personal file may be permanent.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Uninstall apps you do not use
From Settings, review installed apps and remove ones you no longer need. Menu names differ across devices. Before uninstalling an app, consider whether it stores information locally that you still need; use the app’s own export, sync, or backup option if available.
Review photos and videos before deleting
Large videos and photo collections can occupy substantial storage. Identify the items you want to remove, then confirm you have another copy if you want to keep them. A backup is not a guarantee that every app’s data or settings can be restored: Google says backup and restore behavior varies by device and Android version, and some apps do not back up or restore all data.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Use Files by Google only after reviewing its selections
Files by Google can show cleanup suggestions, including junk files, and help browse files. In its Clean flow, review each suggested item before confirming: files deleted through that flow are permanently deleted. Files by Google documents support for Android 8.0 and later.
Move valuable files before deleting local copies
If you want to keep a file, copy it to a computer or to a supported SD card before removing the device copy. Google documents copying files to a computer, and Files by Google documents moving or copying files to an SD card when one is available. An SD card is an option only if the exact phone or tablet supports one; do not assume that a card slot, capacity, or configuration is supported.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Cloud backup is another way to preserve some data, but confirm that the relevant files have finished backing up before deleting local copies. Google’s backup and restore guidance says account storage terms and restore behavior can vary; not every app’s settings and data are included.
Clear cache without confusing it with app data
For one app that is behaving incorrectly, try clearing its cache first if the option is available. Cache consists of temporary data; clearing it may make the app slower the next time it launches while it rebuilds that data.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Clearing storage or data is more destructive: Google says it permanently deletes all app data. Look for an in-app way to remove or reset specific content first, and make sure you can sign back in or restore anything important before using the system option.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Android is slow, troubleshoot performance rather than closing everything
Google’s guidance is: “You don’t usually need to close apps.” Closing apps as a routine memory-clearing habit is not the same as freeing persistent storage. If the device lags or stops responding, try these steps:
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
- Restart the phone or tablet. This can address a temporary problem without deleting personal files.
- Install available Android and app updates. Update paths vary by manufacturer; check Settings for system updates and the relevant app store for app updates.
- Investigate a specific app. If problems began with one app, update it, restart the device, and consider clearing that app’s cache. Avoid clearing its storage/data unless you accept losing its local data.
- Check free storage. Use Settings > Storage to see whether space is nearly exhausted, then remove or move only items you have identified.
A factory reset is a last resort, not a routine way to free space. It erases device data. Before considering one, verify that important files are backed up and that you can access the accounts needed to set up the device again; backup and restore coverage varies.
Quick Recap
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