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You cannot delete Samsung’s entire “Other” storage category with one button. It is an accounting category that can include app data, system files, cached data, and temporary files. To reduce it safely, inspect what is using space, remove files or downloads you no longer need, clear selected apps’ caches, and use app-data deletion only when you understand what that app will lose.
What “Other” means on a Samsung phone or tablet
Samsung says the “Other” category contains data from installed apps, including system files, cached data, and temporary files that do not fit other storage categories. It is not one folder you can open and delete as a whole. Samsung says it cannot be deleted directly, though clearing cache or app data can remove some of its contents. Samsung explains what Other storage includes.
On some devices, Apps and Other may appear combined in the storage breakdown until My Files is enabled there. If your screen does not show the categories separately, follow the display instructions on Samsung’s support page; the labels and options can vary by model and software version.
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Choose a cleanup method based on what you want to remove
| Method | What you can inspect | Data-loss risk | When space is reclaimed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete selected personal files | Individual photos, videos, audio files, documents, or downloads | Selective; deleted items may be recoverable from Trash until it is emptied | Trash behavior varies; empty the relevant Trash to make deletion permanent |
| Remove downloads inside the app that downloaded them | Usually the app’s own downloaded media or files | Limited to selected downloads, but check the app’s wording | After removal; app behavior varies |
| Clear an app’s cache | No individual cached-file review in the standard Settings flow | Usually lower than clearing app data; the app may need to rebuild temporary data | After cache is cleared; amount reclaimed is not stated |
| Clear an app’s data or storage | Typically no file-by-file review in the Settings action | High for that app: its stored data may be permanently deleted | After the action; amount reclaimed is not stated |
| Move personal files to another destination | Files you select to move or copy | Low if you verify the copy before removing the original | After files are moved off the device and any Trash is handled |
| Factory reset | No selective cleanup; this affects the whole device | Very high: apps, settings, and personal files are removed | After reset; it is not a normal “Other” cleanup step |
No official support guidance cited here gives a typical amount of space reclaimed by these actions, so treat the result as device- and app-dependent.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Delete files you can identify first
Review storage categories
- Open Settings > Device care > Storage. On some Galaxy software versions, the equivalent entry may be called Battery and device care.
- Open a category such as Images, Videos, Audio files, or Documents.
- Review the listed items and select only files you are ready to remove. Samsung’s steps are documented in its storage and file-management guide.
Check Downloads and app-managed offline files
Use My Files > Downloads to review files saved to the device. For media downloaded inside an app, remove it through that app when possible. Google notes that downloaded media should be deleted in the app used to download it; the file may not be managed from the same place as an ordinary My Files download. See Google’s instructions for freeing space on Android.
Review Trash before emptying it
Some Samsung deletion flows move selected items to Trash rather than removing them permanently at once. Review the Trash contents before emptying it: emptying Trash removes the recovery path for those items. Samsung’s Gallery instructions describe deleting selected items and then emptying Gallery Trash; Device Care may also offer Trash or unused-app cleanup, depending on device and software. Samsung’s cache, data, and cleanup guidance covers these options.
Rank #2
- 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.
Clear cache without confusing it with app data
Cache is temporary app data. Clearing it is generally a narrower step than clearing app data, but it may not recover a predictable amount of space. Google cautions that an app can be slower the next time it opens while it rebuilds cached material.
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- Choose the app whose cache you want to clear.
- Tap Storage, then Clear cache.
Repeat only for apps where you have a reason to suspect cached files are taking space. Do not choose Clear data or Clear storage as if it were another name for clearing cache.
Rank #3
- 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 Clear data or Clear storage only when you accept the consequences
Clearing app data is broader: Google says clearing an app’s storage permanently deletes all app data. Depending on the app, that may include sign-in state, settings, drafts, or downloaded content. Check the app’s own cleanup or download controls first, and confirm anything important is backed up or can be restored before using the Settings option.
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app, then tap Storage.
- Use Clear data or Clear storage only after reviewing the app-specific consequences; exact wording varies.
Move files you want to keep
If photos, videos, or documents are taking space but you want to retain them, move them to a supported microSD card or copy them to a computer. Samsung documents moving files to an SD card in its storage guide; Google documents copying files to a computer in its Android storage guidance.
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.
- Check the exact Galaxy model’s specifications before buying a microSD card: not every model has a compatible slot.
- A card is a destination for personal files, not a direct way to erase system or app storage counted as Other.
- Many apps cannot be moved to an SD card.
- If using cloud photo backup, verify that the files are backed up before removing local copies.
Why “Other” may remain after cleanup
Deleting visible photos or downloads may not remove app caches, app data, or system files included in the Other category. Likewise, clearing cache affects only the selected app’s temporary files; it does not clear every app’s data or remove system files. Storage labels and Trash behavior differ across Galaxy models, software versions, apps, and regions, so check the categories and controls shown on your device.
When a factory reset is—and is not—appropriate
A factory reset removes apps, settings, and personal files, so Samsung recommends backing up first. It is an extreme troubleshooting step, not a routine method for clearing Other. Consider it only when addressing a broader device problem and after you have confirmed a complete backup and can restore the data you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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