Start in Settings > Storage to see what is taking up room, then remove files and apps you recognize and no longer need. If you want to keep something, copy it elsewhere before deleting it. Be especially careful with app data and photos: clearing app storage can erase persistent data, and Google Photos’ device-space cleanup removes local copies.
How do I check what is using storage on Android?
Open Settings, tap Storage, then select a category to inspect it. The exact labels and layout vary by manufacturer and Android version; use your phone maker’s support instructions if the path does not match. Some storage actions in Google’s instructions are available only on Android 14 or later, so a missing option does not necessarily mean anything is wrong.
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Storage is where files such as photos and music are kept. Memory is where apps and the system run. This guide is about storage, not freeing RAM.
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How do I find and delete files on Android?
Open the phone’s Files app and review large files, downloads, and media. If the app offers sorting by size, use it to find candidates—but delete only items you recognize and no longer need. Android’s file-management guidance is at Google’s guide to finding and deleting files.
#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.
Downloaded content may need to be removed inside the app that downloaded it rather than from Files. For example, manage downloaded videos in Google TV and downloads in YouTube Music using those apps’ controls. For other services, look for the corresponding download or offline-content setting in the source app. See Android storage help.
Should I uninstall or archive unused apps?
Uninstall apps you no longer use. If you need one again, you can download it later; a previously purchased app generally does not need to be purchased again. Check the app’s own account or sync options first if you are unsure whether its information is saved elsewhere.
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.
Some devices and Google Play versions offer automatic app archiving. It removes infrequently used apps while retaining personal data and leaving the app icon, so you can restore the app when needed. Archiving depends on device and Play Store availability, and the app must remain available in Play; do not assume the option exists on every phone.
Can I clear app cache without deleting app data?
Usually, yes. Cache is temporary data; clearing it may free some space, but the amount is not guaranteed and the app may load more slowly the next time it opens. Look under Settings > Apps, select an app, and check its storage options. Labels vary by phone.
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.
Clear storage or Clear data is different: it permanently deletes the app’s stored data. Before using it, try the app’s own cleanup controls and check for sign-in details, offline files, drafts, or other information you may need. Do not clear storage just because you meant to clear cache. Google explains the distinction in its Android storage guidance.
How can I free phone space without losing photos?
- Open Google Photos and confirm you are signed in to the account where you want the backup.
- Verify that backup is complete before removing local copies.
- In Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then choose Free up space on this device and review the prompt before confirming.
This feature deletes photos and videos from the phone; it is not the same as deleting them from your Google Photos library or Google Account. Google says items backed up less than 30 days ago may remain on the phone. After local copies are removed, backed-up items can be viewed in Google Photos or at photos.google.com when you are signed in and have internet access; they may not appear in the phone’s built-in gallery or be available offline. Follow Google Photos’ instructions for freeing device space.
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.
How do I keep files but remove them from my phone?
Copy files and folders to a computer with a USB cable that supports data transfer and works with both devices. Connector and transfer behavior depend on your phone and computer; a charging-only cable will not do the job.
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- Copy the files or folders you want to keep to the computer.
- Open the copied files on the computer to confirm the transfer worked.
- Delete the phone copies only if you still want to free that local space.
Google’s Android storage help describes copying files to a computer. It does not establish that every phone-and-computer combination will work with a particular cable or connector.
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.
Is built-in cleanup safe to use?
Files by Google can identify junk files for cleanup, but Google warns that items deleted through this feature are permanently deleted. Review the selected files before confirming, and do not rely on the tool to identify what you personally want to keep. See Files by Google’s junk-file cleanup instructions.
How much free space should I leave?
Google Android Help says, “Your phone can start having issues when less than 10% of storage is free.” Treat that as general troubleshooting guidance, not a guaranteed threshold for every model or a promise that cleanup will improve performance. If space remains tight, check your manufacturer’s storage options. The available guidance does not establish that every Android phone supports expandable storage. See Android’s troubleshooting guidance for a slow device.
If you are considering cloud backup, distinguish account capacity from phone capacity: Google says Google Accounts include up to 15 GB at no charge, with more storage available through Google One. That is cloud/account storage, not an upgrade to internal phone storage; check current account terms at Android backup help.
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