Even when a phone has free space, there will come a moment when there is no room left for new files and apps. Here are practical ways to free up memory on Android and iOS devices.
Clear memory on Android and iOS phones. Clear cache
A large part of memory is consumed by cached data. Cleaning the cache should come first. On an Android device, open Settings and select Safe. Look for Cached Data and tap it.
By doing this you remove visible and hidden items stored in the cache. Sometimes the system blocks deletion. If that happens, third party cleaning apps can help, as explained below.
Move photos and videos to cloud storage
Many users fear losing their photos and videos when moving to cloud storage. That worry is common, but the cloud is generally safe and reliable.
If backup storage isn’t already set up, this guide offers options for cloud and local storage and shows how to build home network storage from a router, PC, and NAS devices.
For Android devices, Google provides 15 GB of free cloud storage to every new user. Before sending files to the cloud or deleting them from the device, follow these steps:
- Remember or note down the email address tied to the account. This helps if the password needs recovery later.
- Link a backup email address or phone number so password recovery is straightforward.
Upload photos and videos to cloud storage
After completing the setup, open the Google Drive app. Tap the plus sign in the bottom-right corner and choose Folder to create a new folder.
Open the folder and tap the plus again. Choose To download, then expand the top-left menu and go to the Gallery.
Select the photos and videos to start the upload process. Once all items are in the cloud, they can be removed from the device, freeing a lot of space.
For iOS devices, Apple offers 5 GB of free iCloud storage per account. At the time of writing, some services are restricted for users in certain regions, and this guide will be updated as soon as access is restored.
Using Flash Cards
On iPhones, this approach won’t work. But many Android users can use SD cards to expand memory, enabling easy transfer of photos, videos, and even app data when needed.
Delete unused apps
People often download apps and forget about them. Both iOS and Android notify users about rarely used apps, helping reclaim space.
To monitor and remove infrequently used apps on Android, follow these steps:
- Open Google Play on the device.
- Tap the account icon in the top-right and choose App and device management.
- Go to the Check tab.
- Tap Installed and filter by Rarely Used.
- Review and uninstall unnecessary programs.
Delete unused items in a focused, efficient way and free up storage.
Delete audio recordings, podcasts and downloaded videos
Modern phones often don’t hold large music libraries offline. Most content is accessed via subscriptions in streaming apps. Still, it’s smart to check storage and remove unneeded media files.
If Google Play Music or Yandex Music is used for listening, ensure these apps do not auto-download new audio files. Auto-downloads can fill up storage quickly.
Don’t forget to manage downloaded content in YouTube. If videos were downloaded for offline viewing, they stay on the device until they are manually removed.
- Open YouTube.
- Go to Library.
- Choose Downloaded.
- Delete the downloaded videos you no longer need.
Delete offline maps
Travel enthusiasts may rely on offline maps. Google Maps allows saving maps for offline use, and similar features exist in other apps such as MAPS.ME.
If maps were downloaded previously, open the map app, sign in if needed, and locate Offline Maps. Remove unused regions to free space. The same approach works for other map apps as well.
Free apps to quickly clear phone memory
There are apps designed to free storage by removing cache and junk, available in free versions for both Android and iOS.
CCleaner (Android)
The well-known PC cleaner has a mobile version with a similar interface and features. The free version is supported by short ads in exchange for access to premium functionality.
To download
Systweak Android Cleaner (Android)
This tool removes junk, optimizes performance, manages apps, and helps protect the device from malware.
To download
Avast Cleanup (Android)
Avast Cleanup offers a deep scan to remove unnecessary data with a single tap.
To download
Clean Doctor (iOS)
Clean Doctor is a popular memory cleaner for iOS, helping remove duplicate photos, similar images, duplicate contacts, and expired reminders.
To download
Note: This guide reflects common methods for freeing space on Android and iOS devices and is intended for general informational purposes. It assumes access to up-to-date features and settings available in recent software versions.