When a notification appears on the smartphone screen indicating that the memory is full, most users first think about deleting their pictures and videos. However, one of the main reasons that fill phone memory the most is not media files, but digital junk accumulated over the years.
Medianews.az reports with reference to Lent.az that it is possible to free up several or even tens of gigabytes of memory using proper cleaning methods without deleting any important photos.
Clear the cache
Social networks, browsers, and various applications store thousands of temporary files on the phone during use. These files are called cache and over time take up a large amount of memory.
Android users can go to the “settings” section and from the “applications” part select the programs that take up the most space. Then it is enough to press the “clear cache” button in the “storage” section. It is important not to touch the “clear data” option here because in this case, you may be logged out of the account and the phone may reset.
For Apple devices, the system works differently. iPhone users can go to “settings” ---- “general” ---- “iPhone storage” and delete the apps taking up large space and then reinstall them. In this case, personal data is restored from the cloud system, and hidden junk files are deleted.
Check the messengers
Messengers are considered to be among the applications that fill the memory the most. Because sent videos, photos, voice recordings, and documents are automatically downloaded to the phone.
Telegram users can use the “clear cache” function in “settings” --- “data and storage” --- “storage usage”. Experts recommend limiting the storage duration of media files to about one week.
In the Viber app, it is possible to delete unnecessary files by going from the “More” section to “settings” --- “storage usage.” Additionally, it is recommended to turn off automatic gallery saving in the “media files” section.
WhatsApp users can see the chats and videos that take up the most space in “storage and data” --- “manage storage” and delete unnecessary files with a few taps.
Delete duplicates and downloads
It is a widespread problem for phones to store the same pictures, screenshots, and documents multiple times. Since it is difficult to find these files manually, it is recommended to use special programs.
For Android devices, the "Files by Google" app analyzes the memory and detects duplicate pictures and old documents.
iPhone users can easily delete similar pictures and unnecessary frames using the "Gemini Photos" app.
Also, it is important to check the “Downloads” folder. Because old tickets, PDF documents, and installation files can remain here for years.
Keep offline content under control
Due to fast internet, users often forget how much music and videos they have downloaded to the phone.
Playlists stored for years on services like "Spotify" and "YouTube Music" take up a lot of memory. The same situation is observed in podcast and audiobook apps.
Videos saved for offline viewing in the YouTube and TikTok apps can also rapidly fill the internal memory.
Delete unused apps
One of the most effective methods is to delete apps that have not been used for a long time. Often, people download apps to use once and then forget about them.
On iPhone models, the “offload unused apps” feature automatically deletes the app but keeps the data. On Android devices, apps can be sorted by last use date and unnecessary programs deleted.
Experts say that deleting just a few unused games and apps can free up several gigabytes of additional space on the phone.