Free up storage space on Android

You may run into issues caused by low storage such as low storage errors, inability to receive texts or download apps, etc. If this occurs, follow these steps to free up some space.

Prerequisites: Basic navigation of phone settings

Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus

Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes

Expected Outcome: Device has more available storage space

Tools Required: Android device 

Steps to Perform 

1. Delete photos & videos
   On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
   Sign in to your Google Account.
   Tap and hold a photo or video you want to move to the trash. You can select multiple items.
   At the top, tap Delete  .
2. Remove downloaded music, movies, and other media
   
   Open the Google Play app with the content, like Play Music or Play Movies & TV.
   Tap the Menu Settings Manage downloads.
   Tap Downloaded Remove.
   To delete content from other sources, delete from the app that you used to download it.
3. Remove apps you don't use or want
   
   Open the Google Play Store app .
   At the top right, tap the profile icon.
   Tap Manage apps & devices Manage.
   Tap the name of the app you want to delete Uninstall.
4. Move or delete files
   
   (Move or Copy)
   Navigate to and open the My Files app.
   Select your desired file category. You can choose between Images, Videos, Music, Documents, Downloads, Installation files, Compressed, and Favorites.
   If needed, select any additional folders that contain your desired files (i.e. Screenshots, etc.). Touch and hold the file(s) or folder(s) you want to move.
   Tap Copy to create a copy of the files in a different storage area. Or, tap Move to completely remove the file and move it to a new location.
   
   Next, navigate to and select your desired destination:
   -Internal storage: Move the file(s) or folder(s) to a different location within the same internal storage.
   -SD card: If you have a microSD card inserted, tap SD card, and then select the destination location. Please be aware that apps cannot be moved to the SD card using My Files. You will need to use another method.
   -Google Drive: If prompted, sign into your Google account to access your Google Drive. You can transfer files to and from the cloud.
   -OneDrive: Log into your Microsoft account and grant permissions for MyFiles to access the OneDrive cloud.
   Once you've found where you want to put the file, tap Move here or tap Copy here.
   

(Delete)

Open the My Files app, and then tap More options (the three vertical dots). Tap Settings, and then check to make the switch next to Trash is turned on.
Navigate to the My Files home  page, and then select your desired file category. You can choose between Images, Videos, Music, Documents, Downloads, Installation files, Compressed, and Favorites.
If needed, select any additional folders that contain your desired files (i.e. Screenshots, etc.). Touch and hold the file(s) or folder(s) you want to delete.
Tap Delete, and then tap Move to Trash to confirm. The file will stay in the Trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Remember, tablets do not have the Trash feature in My Files, so files can't be restored once they are deleted.