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Start in Settings > Storage to see what is taking up room, then remove files and apps you recognize and no longer need. If you want to keep something, copy it elsewhere or confirm it is backed up before deleting the phone’s copy. Menu names vary by Android version and manufacturer.
Check what is using your phone’s storage
Open Settings, tap Storage, and select a category to see what is taking up space. The labels and layout can differ by phone; if you cannot find the option, consult your manufacturer’s support guidance. Some actions in Google’s instructions are available only on Android 14 and later. Android storage help
Storage is where your phone keeps data such as photos and music. Memory is where apps and the system run. This guide is about storage, not freeing RAM.
Remove large files and downloads you recognize
Open the phone’s Files app and review its categories. If it offers sorting by size, use that to find large items. Delete only files you recognize and are sure you no longer need; check the file’s location and purpose before removing it. Google’s Android file help explains how to find and delete files.
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#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.
Downloaded shows, music, and other media are often managed inside the app that downloaded them. For example, remove downloaded video in Google TV or downloads in YouTube Music using that app’s controls. For downloads from other services, look in the source app rather than assuming they are ordinary files in the Downloads folder. Android storage help
Uninstall or archive apps you do not use
Uninstall an app
Remove apps you no longer need through Settings or the Play Store, depending on your phone’s menus. Android says an uninstalled app can be downloaded again later if it is still available, and you do not have to buy a previously purchased app again. Check the app itself first if you need to retain local files or other information it stores.
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.
Archive an app when the option is available
Google Play’s automatic app-archiving option can remove infrequently used apps while keeping their personal data and leaving an app icon. It is not available on every device or in every situation; the app must also remain available on Google Play to download again. If you do not see an archive option, uninstalling is the alternative. Android storage help
Clear cache selectively, not app data indiscriminately
An app’s cache is temporary data. Clearing it may reclaim some space, but the app may load more slowly the next time it opens, and the amount recovered is not guaranteed. Use the app’s own cleanup controls first when available.
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.
Clear storage or Clear data is different: it permanently removes app data. Before using it, check whether the app contains information you need, such as drafts, offline downloads, or sign-in details. These vary by app, so do not assume the data can be restored. If a menu path is unclear, consult the app or phone maker’s support instructions. Android storage help
Free space from photos only after confirming backup
- Open Google Photos and check that you are signed into the Google Account where you want the backup.
- Verify that backup has completed before removing local copies.
- In Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then choose Free up space on this device.
This action deletes backed-up photos and videos from the phone; it is not the same as deleting them from your Google Photos library or Google Account. Google says photos and videos less than 30 days old may remain on the phone even when backed up. After local copies are removed, you can view backed-up items in Google Photos or at photos.google.com when signed in and connected as needed, but they may not appear in your phone’s built-in gallery and may not be available offline. Google Photos: free up device space
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.
Copy files to a computer before deleting them
If you want to keep files but remove them from the phone, copy them to a computer over USB first. Use a cable that supports data transfer and works with both devices; a charging-only cable will not do. Google’s general instructions do not guarantee compatibility for every phone and computer, so check the devices’ requirements if they do not connect. Android storage help
- Connect the phone to the computer with a compatible USB data cable.
- Use the phone’s file-transfer prompt and the computer’s file manager to copy the files or folders you want to keep.
- Open the copied files on the computer to verify the transfer.
- Delete the phone copies only after you have confirmed they are intact and no longer need to stay on the phone.
Use built-in cleanup tools carefully
Files by Google can identify junk files to remove, but Google warns that files deleted through its cleanup feature are permanently deleted. Review the selected items before confirming and do not treat the tool’s suggestions as a substitute for checking what a file is. Files by Google junk cleanup
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- 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.
What to expect after cleanup
Google Android Help cautions: “Your phone can start having issues when less than 10% of storage is free.” Treat that as general troubleshooting guidance, not a guaranteed cutoff or a promise that cleanup will improve performance. If you still need more room, check your manufacturer’s storage options; not every Android phone supports expandable storage. Android speed troubleshooting
Cloud backup space is separate from internal phone storage. Google’s Android backup help says Google Accounts include up to 15 GB of storage at no charge; that is account capacity, not more space inside the phone. Check current account terms if you are considering cloud storage. Android backup help
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