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Start with Settings > Storage to see what is using space, then remove only items you recognize and no longer need. On my device, this cleanup uncovered gigabytes I hadn’t realized were being used—but that is a personal result, not a typical or guaranteed amount. Google’s guidance is that a phone may start having issues when less than 10% of its storage is free; this is a general warning, not a diagnostic threshold for every Android device.
What the Android storage cleanup trick actually involves
There is no single hidden switch that safely recovers a predictable number of gigabytes. The practical trick is to inspect storage by category, then target removable junk, downloads, unused apps, and backed-up media instead of deleting app data indiscriminately. Storage holds items such as photos and music; memory is where programs run, so freeing storage is not the same as adding memory.
Google’s Free up storage on your Android device guide says some steps are available only on Android 14 and up. Menus and category names can also vary by phone maker and Android version.
Recommended Free Tools
Check what is using space before deleting anything
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Tap Storage and review the categories shown, such as apps, photos, videos, or files.
- If your device supports it, open Free up space from the Storage screen and review the suggested files, photos, videos, or apps before selecting anything.
Use this screen to decide where to focus. If one large app or media category dominates, cleaning unrelated small files may make little difference. Do not assume every item suggested for removal is disposable; check what it is and whether you can get it back.
#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.
Remove junk files with Files by Google
- Open the Files by Google app.
- Tap Menu > Clean.
- Find the Junk files card and tap its clean control.
- Review the confirmation dialog. Clear the files only if you are comfortable permanently deleting them.
Google says clearing junk files does not affect app settings, but files deleted through this Clean flow are permanently deleted. See Google’s instructions for clearing junk files if the labels differ in your version of the app.
Choose the right cleanup method for the space you need
| What to remove | Where to look | What happens | Key caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary app cache | Phone Settings, in the app’s storage controls | Temporary data is deleted; some apps may be slower the next time they open. | Do not confuse cache with app storage. |
| App storage or data | Phone Settings, in the app’s storage controls | All app data is permanently deleted. | Try removing data from inside the app first. Google explains the distinction in its Android storage guide. |
| Downloaded files or media | Files app and the app that downloaded the item | The selected local download is removed. | Some apps manage their downloads internally; for example, remove Google TV or YouTube Music downloads in those apps. |
| Unused apps | Storage or app controls on the phone | An app can be uninstalled or, where available, archived. | Archiving retains personal app data and leaves the icon, but downloading the app again depends on it remaining on Google Play. |
| Device copies of backed-up photos and videos | Google Photos > Free up space | Device copies are removed; backed-up items remain accessible in Google Photos when online. | They will no longer be available in the built-in gallery or offline. Confirm backup completion first. |
Clear cache, not app storage, when you mean to remove temporary data
Cache is temporary data an app may rebuild. Clearing it can free some space, though the app may load more slowly the next time it opens. App storage is different: Google states that clearing storage permanently deletes all app data. Before using that option, check whether the app itself offers a way to delete downloaded items, drafts, or other unwanted 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.
Check downloads and large files you want to keep
Review the Files app for downloads and large files, then check the app that saved each item. A download may need to be removed inside its original app rather than through a general file list. If a large file is worth keeping but does not need to stay on the phone, Google describes transferring files to a computer over USB and deleting the device copy afterward in its guide to finding and deleting files on Android.
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 →Use Google Photos’ space cleanup only after backup
- Open Google Photos and verify that the photos and videos you want to keep have finished backing up.
- Use Free up space only when you are ready to remove the backed-up device copies.
- Remember that those items remain accessible in Google Photos when you are online, but not in the built-in gallery or offline.
Google’s Free up space on your device instructions cover this feature. If you rely on offline access or your phone’s built-in gallery, keep the local copies.
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.
Know when the cleanup is working
Return to Settings > Storage after deleting items to check the available space. If the phone still reports little free storage, review the largest categories rather than repeatedly clearing cache. Google’s slow-device guidance says a device may start having issues when less than 10% of storage is free. That is general Google support guidance, not a promise that reaching 10% will resolve every slowdown.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
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