Android Storage Space Running Out? Follow These 8 Easy Fixes!
Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, but one familiar frustration users face is running out of storage space. As our phones accumulate photos, videos, files, and apps, it’s no surprise that the available storage can quickly diminish. However, before you rush to delete precious memories or essential apps, consider these practical solutions to fix the problem of Android storage space running out to free up space, and optimize your phone’s storage capacity.
Fix Android Storage Running Out Problem
1. Delete Unnecessary Apps
Start by reviewing your app collection and identify the ones you rarely use. Uninstalling unnecessary apps can free up significant storage space. Remember that you can always re-download apps if needed in the future. You can identify your least used apps all at once on the Google Play Store.
To identify the rarely used apps on Android, launch Google Play Store, tap on your profile icon, then tap on manage apps and devices, navigate to the manage section, and then sort your apps by “least used”. You can then select a few or all of those least-used apps and uninstall all of them at once to clear up your phone storage.
2. Clear App Cache and Data
One of the main reasons behind the “Android storage space running out” error is apps that often accumulate cache and data files. They consume substantial storage over time. Although it’s not recommended to clear the cache and data often, you can clear the cache data once every few months to eliminate storage and functionality issues. You can clear the cache and data of each app individually in your device settings as shown in the above screenshots. However, if you want to clear the cache of all apps at once with just a click, you can do so.
3. Backup Photos, Videos, and Other Files
Pictures and videos are notorious for consuming storage space. If you are someone who takes a lot of pictures with your phone’s camera, back them up to cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox, and then delete them from your device to regain space. similarly, transfer documents and other important files to cloud storage platforms. Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox offer generous free storage options.
4. Remove Old Messages and Media
Text messages, especially those with attachments, can add up quickly. So clear out old messages and media from messaging apps to save space. This includes messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram. Make sure to clear unimportant chats and media (sent/received) downloaded through the chatting apps to clear up some space.
5. Stream Music and Videos
Instead of downloading music and videos directly to your device, opt for streaming services like Spotify, Netflix, Apple Music, or YouTube Music. This way, you can enjoy entertainment without cluttering your storage.
6. Clear Browser Cache
Web browsers store cache and data to improve loading times, but they can also occupy considerable storage space. Regularly clear your browser’s cache to clear up the storage. You can clear any browser’s cache and data in its settings and history.
7. Optimize Downloads and Uploads
Configure your phone’s settings to download app updates only over Wi-Fi or manually. Not only app updates, but a few Social media apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.) automatically download media previews for a better experience. By configuring them manually, you can control when and how large files are downloaded and ensure there are no storage issues.
8. Factory Reset
If you’ve tried all the above methods and your phone’s storage is still critically low, consider performing a factory reset. This will wipe your device clean, giving you a fresh start. Remember to back up your essential data before proceeding.
Conclusion
Android storage space running out issue doesn’t have to be a perpetual headache. By following the above-shown practical tips, you can effectively manage your device’s storage space, create more room for new memories and essential apps, and ensure your smartphone runs smoothly. Regularly assess your phone’s storage, implement these strategies, and enjoy an optimized digital experience with plenty of space to spare.
