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To free up space on a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Device care or Battery and device care > Storage, review what is taking up room, and remove files or apps you recognize and no longer need. You generally cannot—and should not try to—delete all storage labeled “System”: the operating system and default apps use part of the phone’s internal capacity.
Menu names and available categories vary by model, software version, and region. If the paths below do not match your phone, search Settings for “Storage” or “Device care.”
What “System” storage means on a Galaxy phone
“System” or “Other” is not automatically junk. Samsung’s Galaxy S9+ User Manual explains that the operating system and default apps occupy some internal storage, leaving less available than the stated capacity. It also notes that available capacity may change after an update. That manual is specific to the S9+; it does not establish what every current Galaxy model includes in its “System” category.
Samsung’s current storage guidance focuses on reviewing categories and deleting selected user files, not removing the operating system. The exact breakdown and controls can differ between devices, so concentrate on files and apps you can identify rather than aiming for a particular “System” figure.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Find what is using storage
- Open Settings.
- Tap Device care or Battery and device care, then tap Storage. On some older software, the related menu may be called Device maintenance.
- Review the categories shown. Depending on your device, these may include images, videos, audio, documents, downloads, Trash, duplicate or large files, and unused apps.
Samsung’s older published menu guide maps Battery and device care to Android 11, Device care to Android 9/10, and Device maintenance to Oreo/Nougat; use those labels as historical guidance, not a guarantee for every later One UI version. See Samsung’s Device Care guide and its storage-space instructions.
Delete files you no longer want
Use Storage or Samsung’s My Files app to locate personal files such as old downloads, duplicate images, or videos you have already backed up. Open the item or category, select only the files you recognize and intend to discard, then use the available delete control. Samsung’s storage-management guide documents category-based review and file management; the specific categories and screens vary.
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
Some selected files may go to Trash instead of being removed immediately. If space has not returned, check the relevant Trash folder and empty it if you are certain you do not need the files. Trash behavior and its location can vary by app and software version.
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Clear an app’s cache, not its data, for routine cleanup
Clear cache
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Select the app.
- Tap Storage > Clear cache.
Cache consists of temporary or residual app files. Clearing it does not promise a particular amount of recovered space: the result depends on the app and how much cache it has accumulated. Samsung’s cache and data instructions note that menu labels can vary with software version.
Rank #3
- 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 127,460 photos or maximum 24 hours of 4K video; With up to 512GB 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
Clear data only when you mean to reset the app
Clear data is not a broader version of routine cache cleanup. Samsung says it resets the app to its default state and removes saved app settings or data. It may sign you out, remove local content or progress, or require setup again; some system apps do not offer the option. Before using it, confirm any important content is backed up and that you know your sign-in details.
Use Storage—not Memory—for low-space warnings
Samsung’s Device care > Memory > Clean now function closes background apps to free working memory (RAM). It does not delete photos, downloads, or other persistent storage files. If your phone warns that storage is low, open Storage and manage files or apps instead. The distinction is described in Samsung’s storage guide and Device Care guide.
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
Keep large files by moving or copying them
Transfer files to a USB drive
If you want to keep large files off the phone, Samsung documents using My Files to copy or move supported files to connected USB storage. Connect a compatible drive, open My Files, select the files, and choose the relevant copy or move option and USB destination. Some setups need a USB-OTG adapter; Samsung says USB storage appears when a drive is connected. Check your model’s port and compatibility before choosing a drive or adapter. This preserves supported files externally; it does not remove system files or increase the phone’s built-in capacity. Details are in Samsung’s storage-management guide.
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Use a microSD card only if your model supports it
For compatible Galaxy devices, Samsung also documents transferring files to a microSD card. Card support depends on the exact model, and many apps cannot be moved to an SD card. Check your device specifications and Samsung’s file-transfer guidance before relying on a card as a storage option.
Best Value
- MOVE FILES IN A FLASH: Get your time back; Fast and convenient read speeds up to 400MB/s¹ with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface gives you more time to work, play, watch and create
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device², count on the USB Type-C for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- CAPTURE CONTENT IN HI-RES: Save Ultra High Resolution videos directly onto the USB Type-C with your favorite camera or mobile devces³
- 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
- PROTECTED FOR PEACE OF MIND: The Samsung USB Type-C is tough enough to take on anything; With protection covering everything from water⁴ to extreme temperatures — it can handle wear and tear⁵⁻⁶
Choose cleanup actions by risk and control
| Action | What it changes | Risk and control | Are your files preserved? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and delete selected files | Removes chosen personal files from a category or file manager. | You choose individual files, so check each selection before deleting. | No, unless you have another copy or move them to external storage first. Deleted files may remain in Trash until emptied. |
| Clear one app’s cache | Removes that app’s temporary files. | Limited to one app; recovered space varies with its current cache. | It is intended for temporary cache, not saved app settings or data. |
| Clear one app’s data | Resets the app and removes its saved data and settings. | Broader and more disruptive than clearing cache; app-level content or sign-in state may be lost. | Not necessarily. Confirm backup and account access first. |
| Copy or move supported files to USB or microSD | Stores eligible files on external media rather than—or in addition to—the phone. | Depends on model compatibility, connection, and supported file types. | Yes, if copied; a move removes the transferred item from its original location. |
| Factory reset | Erases device data and resets the phone. | Highly destructive and much broader than routine cleanup; not an appropriate first step for low storage. | Not unless data has been backed up separately. |
Why a factory reset is not a routine storage fix
Samsung says clearing every app’s cache at once requires a factory reset. A reset affects far more than cache and can erase personal data, so start with recognizable files, unused apps, and the cache of a specific app instead. Consider a reset only as a last resort for a separate troubleshooting problem, after backing up data and understanding what it removes. Samsung’s app cache and data guidance covers the cache-reset distinction.
Quick Recap
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