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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can reclaim Galaxy storage by removing files you recognize, uninstalling apps you no longer use, or clearing an individual app’s cache. You generally cannot—and should not try to—delete the operating system or every item counted as “System” or “Other.” The exact categories and menu names vary by model and software version, so start with your phone’s built-in Storage screen.
Find what is using storage
- Open Settings > Device care or Battery and device care, then tap Storage. On some older software, the feature is called Device maintenance.
- Review the categories your phone shows, such as images, videos, audio, documents, downloads, trash, duplicate or large files, and unused apps.
- If those labels do not match your phone, search Settings for “Storage” or “Device care.” Samsung’s published guide maps Battery and device care to Android 11, Device care to Android 9 and 10, and Device maintenance to Oreo and Nougat; those older labels do not guarantee the layout on every later One UI release. Samsung’s Device Care guide and its storage guide describe the built-in tools.
Check the listed files before deleting anything. Select only items you recognize and are willing to lose. Depending on the phone and screen, deleted files may go to Trash first; if so, empty Trash to remove them permanently and reclaim that space. The available categories and controls can differ by device. Samsung’s storage-management instructions cover file review and transfer options.
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What “System” storage means—and what you can remove
“System” or “Other” is not automatically disposable clutter. The operating system and default apps use internal capacity, and device-managed files may also appear in storage accounting. Samsung’s 2018 Galaxy S9+ manual says that actual available internal capacity is less than the specified capacity because the operating system and default apps occupy part of the space, and that available capacity may change after an update. That is S9+ guidance, not a universal breakdown for current Galaxy models.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse the Storage screen to act on selectable user files and apps. Samsung’s guidance does not establish that all content grouped under System or Other can be removed by the user, and it gives no representative amount of space that a typical owner can recover. Results depend on what is stored on your device.
#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
Choose a cleanup action that matches the problem
| Action | What it changes | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Delete selected files | Removes chosen photos, downloads, documents, or other user files. | Files may be lost permanently after Trash is emptied; check them first. |
| Clear an app’s cache | Removes temporary or residual files for one app. | The amount reclaimed varies with that app’s current cache; it is not guaranteed. |
| Clear an app’s data | Resets the app to its default state and removes saved settings or data. | May remove local content, sign-in state, preferences, or progress. |
| Move or copy files to external storage | Transfers supported files to a USB drive or, on compatible models, a microSD card. | Requires compatible hardware; moving removes the files from the phone, while copying keeps another copy on it. |
| Clean memory | Closes background apps to free working memory (RAM). | Does not delete persistent storage files such as photos or downloads. |
Clear one app’s cache safely
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Choose the app, then tap Storage.
- Tap Clear cache.
This removes temporary app files; the amount freed depends on the app and its current cache. Menu wording can vary with software version. Samsung’s cache and data instructions distinguish clearing cache from clearing data.
Do not confuse “Clear data” with “Clear cache”
Clear data is a broader reset, not routine cache cleanup. It can remove an app’s locally saved content, preferences, login state, or progress, and you may need to sign in again. Some system apps do not allow their data to be cleared. Before using it, confirm that anything important is backed up and that you know the sign-in details. Clearing every app cache at once is not the same as clearing one cache; Samsung says its all-app route requires a factory reset, which is destructive and far broader than this task.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Keep large files by moving them off the phone
If you want to preserve large photos, videos, or documents, Samsung documents copying or moving supported files to a USB drive through the My Files app. Connect the drive and check whether it appears in My Files; some cable setups require a USB-OTG adapter. The phone’s port and support depend on the exact model, so verify compatibility before choosing a drive or adapter. See Samsung’s storage-management guide for its file-transfer instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some Galaxy devices support microSD cards, but not all do, and Samsung notes that many apps cannot be moved to an SD card. Check your model’s specifications before relying on a card for extra file storage. Moving files can free phone space while keeping them; copying them preserves an on-phone copy and therefore frees less space.
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 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
Use Memory only when you mean RAM
Device care > Memory > Clean now closes background apps to free working memory. It does not remove media, downloads, or other files from persistent storage. If the problem is a low-storage warning, go to Storage instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a factory reset is not the answer
A factory reset is excessive for ordinary storage cleanup: it can erase personal data and settings across the device. Start by reviewing selectable files, removing unneeded apps, and clearing cache for a specific app. Consider a reset only as a last resort for a separate troubleshooting problem, after backing up what you need and understanding what the reset will erase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual Connectors: The USB-C port can only work on phones/tablets with OTG function. Please make sure your smartphone with OTG function and reversible type-c interface. The other end is USB 3.0 port connecting regular USB devices.[Not for iPhone]
- Important: Default format of the drive is EXFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the drive keep a check on the drive format
- 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. You can use it to transfer your computer file or access files from Type-C devices, store and share your photos, videos and music in a simple and reliable way
- Easy to Use: Plug and play, no need any drive. Used as laptop notebook tablets phones accessories, compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 8,Galaxy S8,Google Nexus 5X and 6P,Google Pixel XL,New Macbook Pro and more
- Package includes: 1 pc 256G USB C & USB Multi-function Flash Drive
Rank #4
- 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
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