To download more apps and media, or help your phone run better, you can clear space on your phone.
- Storage is where you keep data, like music and photos.
- Memory is where you run programs, like apps and the Android system.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Free up storage
Remove photosTo delete content from Google Play:
- 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.
Close apps that don't respond
You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, you can try to close or force stop the app. Learn how to troubleshoot apps that aren't working.
Uninstall apps you don't use
If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. You don't have to buy the app again if you paid for it. Learn how to uninstall apps.
Clear the app's cache & data
You can usually clear an app’s cache and data with your phone’s Settings app. Settings can vary by phone. For more info, get help from your device manufacturer.
- Clear cache: Deletes temporary data. Some apps may be slow the next time you open them.
- Clear storage: Permanently deletes all app data. Try to delete the data within the app first.
Your device can automatically archive apps you don’t use often to free up space for new apps. When this setting is on, the apps you don’t use often will be removed, but your personal data on the app will be saved. The app’s icon will remain on your device. You'll be able to download the app again, as long as it's available on Google Play.
If you try to install an app but don’t have enough space, you’re notified to automatically archive apps. To set how your device automatically archives apps:
- Open the Play Store app .
- Go to Settings General.
- Turn Automatically archive apps on or off.
Tip: You can also manually archive unused apps. Learn how to manually archive unused apps on Android.
Delete downloaded files
To save space, you can delete downloaded files you don't need.
Copy files to a computer
You can move files and folders to a computer with a USB cable, and then delete them from your phone or tablet. Learn how to transfer files between your phone and computer.
Check & free up memory
You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, you can try to close or force stop the app. Learn how to troubleshoot apps that aren't working.
Tip: If you think an app is using too much memory, you can delete the app. Learn how to uninstall apps.