Before you start
- A Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
Method 1 Use Samsung’s built-in storage cleaner
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Step 1: Open Storage
Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Storage (on older models: Device care > Storage).
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Step 2: Empty recycle bins
Scroll to Recycle bin. Gallery, My Files and other apps keep deleted items for 30 days. Tap each and choose Empty.
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Step 3: Delete duplicate files
Tap Duplicate files, keep one copy of each and delete the rest.
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Step 4: Review large files
Tap Large files to find old videos, downloads and archives you no longer need.
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Step 5: Remove unused apps
Tap Unused apps to uninstall apps you haven’t opened in a long time.
Method 2 Run Optimize and clear app caches
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Step 1: Optimize now
On the Battery and device care screen, tap Optimize now. It closes background apps and checks for issues.
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Step 2: Find big apps
Go to Settings > Apps, tap the sort icon and choose Size.
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Step 3: Clear cache
Open large apps such as Chrome, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or Telegram and tap Storage > Clear cache. Don’t tap Clear data unless you want to reset the app.
Method 3 Clean up messaging app media
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Step 1: WhatsApp
Settings > Storage and data > Manage storage, then delete large and forwarded files.
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Step 2: Telegram
Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage > Clear Cache. Set Keep Media to 1 week.
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Step 3: Samsung Messages
Delete old conversations with videos, or turn on Delete old messages in Messages settings.
Troubleshooting
“System” uses a huge amount of storage
The system partition includes One UI itself and can’t be reduced. Large “Other” or “System data” usage often drops after a restart and clearing big app caches.
Storage fills up again quickly
Check WhatsApp and Telegram auto-download settings, and Gallery for screen recordings and duplicated downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to clear the cache on Samsung?
Yes. Cache is temporary. Apps rebuild what they need, and your data stays.
Does Optimize now delete files?
No. It closes background apps and checks battery and memory; it doesn’t delete your files.
How much free space should I keep?
At least 10–15% of total storage for smooth performance and updates.
Summary
Open Settings > Battery and device care > Storage, empty the Recycle bin, and remove duplicate files, large files and unused apps. Clear caches of the biggest apps and skip third-party cleaners.
