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
You can free up space on a Samsung Galaxy without uninstalling apps by reviewing large files and downloads, removing duplicates you no longer need, clearing selected app caches, or moving files to supported external storage. The headline’s 10 GB is an individual result, not a typical or guaranteed amount: what you recover depends on what is using space on your phone.
How do I free up space on my Samsung Galaxy without deleting apps?
Start by checking what is taking up storage, then review files before removing anything. Samsung’s menus vary by model, region, and software version; its support instructions use both “Device care” and “Battery and device care.”
1. Check storage categories
-
Open Settings and tap Device care or Battery and device care.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Tap Storage to see how space is divided among categories and inspect files you may not need.
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 128GB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Up to 400MB/s- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
-
Select only items you recognize and intend to remove. Samsung’s Device Care guidance describes selecting items within a category and moving them to Trash. Menu names and available options can differ by device and software version. Samsung Support: Keep your Galaxy phone or tablet from slowing down with Device Care
Do not confuse Memory or Clean now with storage cleanup. Those controls stop background apps to free RAM; they do not remove permanent files from internal storage.
Rank #2
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
2. Review downloads and duplicate files
-
Open My Files and check Downloads. Delete only files you no longer need.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
In My Files, open Analyze storage and choose Duplicate files, if that option appears. Samsung says the option appears only when duplicates are found. Review each item before deleting so you do not remove the copy you want to keep.
Rank #3
SAMSUNG BAR Plus 3.1 USB Flash Drive, 128GB, 400MB/s, Rugged Metal Casing, Storage Expansion for Photos, Videos, Music, Files, MUF-128BE4/AM, Titan Grey- MOVE FILES IN A FLASH: Fast and convenient read speeds up to 300 MB/s* with the latest USB 3.1 standard give you more time to work, play, watch, and create; Send a 3GB 4K UHD video file from your Bar Plus to your PC in just 10 seconds**
- RUGGED REFINEMENT: As strong as it is stylish; The sturdy metal body keeps your data safe and intact, and the integrated keyring prevents accidental misplacement or loss; The Bar Plus is the ideal combination of stunning design and worry-free durability
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: The Bar Plus a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It works through it all with a waterproof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-ray-proof body, all backed by a 5-year limited warranty***
- WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Experience the performance and reliability from the world's #1 brand for flash memory since 2003;**** All firmware & components, including Samsung's world-renowned DRAM & NAND, are produced in-house
Depending on the model, deleted My Files items may remain in Trash for up to 30 days before permanent deletion. If space does not appear to return immediately, check Trash and the available storage again. Samsung Support Canada: Manage and organize files saved on your Samsung Galaxy device
3. Clear cache selectively
-
Go to Settings > Apps.
-
Choose an app, then tap Storage > Clear cache.
Cache holds temporary data, so clearing it can reclaim some space without uninstalling the app. The amount varies and may build up again as you use the app. Use this selectively for apps whose cached files are expendable; Samsung notes that screens and steps can vary by software version and app. Samsung Support: Clear the app cache and data on your Galaxy phone or tablet
Rank #4
- 【Important】: Default format of the usb flash drive 128gb is exFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These 128gb thumb drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the usb flash drive dual type c usb 3.0 OTG keep a check on the drive format
- 【Easy to Use】: Directly plug the 2-in-1 USB flash drive and play, no need to install any software. The jump drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, vidoe projector etc
- 【Fast Speed】: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 easy to complete the storage and transport functions. USB 3.0 and Class A chip help you transfer a 4G movie from the thumb drive to your smartphone in about 40 seconds, and reverse transfer in 2 mins to save memory for your smartphone with Type C port.Save your time
- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
Do not substitute Clear data unless you mean to reset that app. Samsung distinguishes it from clearing cache: clearing data removes personal settings or saved app data and can sign you out or erase locally stored information.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute4. Move files you want to keep
If photos, videos, or other large files are using internal space, transfer them from My Files to compatible connected external storage or a computer. Samsung’s file-management instructions cover external-storage and PC transfers; SD-card support varies by Galaxy model. A USB-C storage accessory must also be compatible with the phone and the transfer you need.
Best Value
- MOVE FILES IN A FLASH: Fast and convenient read speeds up to 300 MB/s* with the latest USB 3.1 standard give you more time to work, play, watch, and create; Send a 3GB 4K UHD video file from your Bar Plus to your PC in just 10 seconds**
- RUGGED REFINEMENT: As strong as it is stylish; The sturdy metal body keeps your data safe and intact, and the integrated keyring prevents accidental misplacement or loss; The Bar Plus is the ideal combination of stunning design and worry-free durability
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: The Bar Plus a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It works through it all with a waterproof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-ray-proof body, all backed by a 5-year limited warranty***
- WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Experience the performance and reliability from the world's #1 brand for flash memory since 2003;**** All firmware & components, including Samsung's world-renowned DRAM & NAND, are produced in-house
After copying or moving files, confirm that they are present and open from the destination before removing the internal copies. Connecting external storage alone does not free space; the internal copies must be removed after you verify the transfer. Samsung Support Canada: Manage and organize files saved on your Samsung Galaxy device
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Other storage on my Samsung phone?
“Other” is not one junk folder that you can empty in a single step. Samsung describes it as including app data, system files, cached data, and temporary files. The category cannot be deleted directly as a whole; some space may be recovered by reviewing selected app cache or data, with the risks of clearing data described above. Samsung Support UK: What is Other Storage on your Samsung phone (updated 4 August 2026)
How do I check how much space I recovered?
Return to the same Settings > Device care or Battery and device care > Storage screen you checked before cleanup and compare available space. Report the amount observed on your own phone; Samsung’s cited cleanup guidance does not establish a typical recovery amount across Galaxy devices.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
