If your Samsung phone or tablet is running out of space, start by checking what is using it in Settings > Device care > Storage. From there, delete files or apps you no longer need, clear an individual app’s cache, or move eligible files to cloud storage or a microSD card if your exact Galaxy model supports one. Avoid clearing app data unless you are prepared to reset that app.
Find what is taking up space
On supported software versions, open Settings > Device care > Storage to review categories such as images, videos, audio files, and documents. The names and locations of menus can vary by Galaxy model and software version. Samsung’s storage guidance also points to My Files for managing files.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Review the categories before removing anything. Select only files you recognize and intend to delete; removing a local copy may be difficult to undo if it is not backed up elsewhere.
Choose a space-saving method
| Method | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Delete files or apps | Making immediate room by removing items you no longer need | Confirm the files are unwanted and check whether an app contains data you need. |
| Clear an app cache | Removing temporary files from one app | Use the cache option, not Clear data, unless you intend to reset the app. |
| Cloud storage or sync | Keeping files accessible off the device | Confirm the files are uploaded and available in the cloud before deleting local copies. |
| microSD card | Moving or copying eligible files on a Galaxy device with a supported card slot | Check the exact model’s specifications and card requirements. Many apps cannot be moved to a card. |
| Temporary Cloud Backup | A time-limited backup for supported devices and situations | Availability and retention conditions apply; it is not a permanent archive. |
Samsung’s low-storage troubleshooting guidance identifies Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox as cloud options that can be used with Samsung devices.
#1 Best Overall
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
Clear cache without resetting an app
Cache consists of temporary app files. Clearing it is different from clearing app data, and an app may recreate cache files as you use it again. Samsung describes Clear data as returning an app to factory defaults; it can remove settings and locally stored app information. Before using it, check what the app stores and whether its information is synced or backed up.
Samsung’s storage instructions explain how to manage app storage, but the precise labels and path may differ by model and software version. If you do not see the same menu, use Settings search for the app’s storage controls rather than assuming the options are identical.
Rank #2
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download more apps on your tablet at top-notch speed, making transfers seamless and reliable
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s¹,²and UHS-I Interface³ big apps load and run smoothly, while 4K video remains sharp with A2, V30, and USH-I Interface
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select the best capacity for all your memories. Speed class: U3
- YOU'RE FULLY PROTECTED: EVO Select Plus provides reliable storage and takes on life’s adventures with water⁴, temperature⁵, X-ray⁶, ⁷magnet, drop⁸, and wears⁹ out protection; Backed by a 10-year limited warranty; Proofs are for the microSD card and do not include the adaptor
- FLASH MEMORY CARD: Performance and reliability you can count on from the flash memory brand; All firmware and components are produced in-house
Use a microSD card only if your Galaxy supports it
Some Galaxy phones and tablets have a microSD slot; others do not. Verify the exact model and supported card specifications before buying or inserting a card. Samsung’s US support page states, “Many apps are not eligible to be moved to a SD card.” A card can therefore help with eligible files without making every app installable on external storage.
For supported devices, Samsung describes using a card to move or copy files. Choose the action deliberately: moving a file changes where it is stored, while copying leaves another copy behind. Verify the destination file opens before deleting the original.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- EXTREME ENDURANCE FOR MONITORING DEVICES: Capture your crucial moments in high-resolution, even in harsh conditions; Engineered to deliver long lasting performance, the Samsung PRO Endurance SSD is a perfect fit for CCTV, dash cams and body cams; Get peace of mind with video recording you can rely on
- BUILT TO LAST UP TO 140K HOURS OF RECORDING: With capacities up to 256GB, the PRO Endurance records and rewrites up to 140K hours (over 16 years); Plus, with a warranty up to 5 years, you can rest assured that your data endures
- RECORD & PLAY IN FHD/4K: The PRO Endurance simplifies large file transfers with read/write speeds up to 100/40MB/s; Plus, FHD and 4K resolution support ensures that crucial moments are recorded in high-res so every detail is documented when it matters most
- CRITICAL DATA, SAFEGUARDED: From severe weather to extensive wear and tear, the PRO Endurance stands up to real-world situations; After rigorous testing, it stands up against magnets¹, X-rays², water³, drop⁴, wearout⁵, and stays cool under pressure with operating temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C⁶
Understand cloud sync and Temporary Cloud Backup
Cloud storage and sync
Syncing or uploading files can provide an off-device copy, but seeing a cloud service on the phone does not prove a particular file has finished uploading. Open the service and confirm the file is present before removing its device copy. Samsung’s troubleshooting page lists Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox as compatible options.
Temporary Cloud Backup
Samsung says Temporary Cloud Backup keeps backups for up to 30 days. Availability can depend on country, carrier, and model. Samsung Electronics’ 2023 announcement says individual files are limited to 100 GB, Wi-Fi is required for transfer, and the service described in that announcement has no total storage limit and is free. Those details apply to Temporary Cloud Backup as described there, not to every Samsung Cloud service. Because the backup is temporary, use another suitable destination for files you need to keep beyond its retention period.
Rank #4
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
A safe order of operations
- Open Settings > Device care > Storage, when that path is available, and identify which categories are consuming space.
- Delete files and uninstall apps you no longer need, checking first for important local content.
- For an app-specific cleanup, clear its cache. Do not choose Clear data unless you accept the app reset and have checked for information that may be lost.
- If you want to keep files, upload or copy them to a verified cloud destination or to a compatible microSD card, if your model has a slot.
- Open the destination and confirm the files are accessible before deleting the original local copies.
Samsung’s guidance notes that menus and screenshots can differ by model and software version. If an option is missing, check your device’s exact model support information rather than assuming that all Galaxy devices offer the same storage features.
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.
