Android phones have become an integral part of our lives.
From storing our personal information, to capturing precious memories, our smartphones have become our go-to device for almost everything.
However, one issue that most Android users face is running out of storage space.
While clearing cache and deleting unused apps can free up some space, there is still a mysterious ‘Other’ storage that takes up a significant amount of space.
This storage can be frustrating to deal with as it’s not always clear what it contains or how to get rid of it.
In this article, we will explore the various methods you can use to clear ‘Other’ storage on Android.
What is ‘Other’ storage on Android?
The “Other” storage on Android refers to the data that is not categorized under any specific category like apps, media, or system files.
This can include various types of data, such as cached data, system logs, downloaded files, and temporary files created by the apps.
The exact composition of “Other” storage can vary depending on the device and the apps installed on it.
Since “Other” storage can consume a significant amount of storage space over time.
It is recommended to regularly clear this storage to free up space on the device.
Users can manually clear the “Other” storage by going to the device’s settings and selecting the “Storage” option.
From there, they can select the “Other” category and clear the data associated with it.
Some Android devices also have automated tools to clear the “Other” storage periodically.
How to clear ‘Other’ storage on Android
Notably, the data contained in the ‘Other’ storage category cannot be deleted directly from your device.
You can clear some of it by deleting cache or app data.
Here are some steps you can take to clear “Other” storage on Android.
1. Clear Cache and Data of Apps
Clearing the cache and data of apps can help to remove unnecessary files stored by those apps.
Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > select the app > Storage > Clear cache / Clear storage.
2. Delete downloaded files
If you have downloaded files such as images, videos, documents, or other files, delete them. To do this, go to the Downloads folder or any other folder where downloaded files are stored and delete them.
3. Clear temporary files
You can clear temporary files by going to the Settings app > Storage > Internal Storage > Temporary Files. This option will show all temporary files, and you can delete them all.
4. Use a storage manager app
There are many storage manager apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you to manage and clear storage on your Android device. Some popular ones include CCleaner, SD Maid, and Files by Google.
5. Factory reset
If you have tried all the above options and still unable to clear “Other” storage, you can try a factory reset.
This will erase all data and settings from your device, so make sure to backup important files before doing this.
To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
How to free up space on Android
To free up space on your Android device, here are some tips you can follow.
1. Uninstall unused apps
Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps. Choose the app you want to uninstall and tap on it. Then tap on “Uninstall” to remove the app from your device.
2. Clear cache and data
Go to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage. From there, select “Cached data” and clear it. Then, go back to the previous screen and tap on “Other apps” to see a list of apps that are using the most data. Select any app and clear its data if you don’t need it.
3. Move files to SD card
If your device has an SD card slot, you can move photos, videos, music, and other files to the SD card to free up space on your phone. Go to Settings > Storage > SD Card and select the files you want to move.
4. Use Google Photos
You can back up your photos and videos to Google Photos and then delete them from your device.
To do this, download the Google Photos app from the Play Store and follow the instructions to set it up.
Go to the Messages app and delete old messages and conversations that you no longer need.
6. Remove unnecessary downloads
Go to the Downloads app and delete any files that you no longer need.
7. Clear browser cache
Open your browser and go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. From there, select “Cached images and files” and clear it.
FAQs
What is ‘Other’ storage on Android?
‘Other’ storage on Android refers to files and data that don’t fit into any of the other storage categories on your device, such as media files, app data, and cached data.
This can include things like system files, logs, and other miscellaneous data that can accumulate over time.
Why does ‘Other’ storage take up so much space on my Android device?
‘Other’ storage can take up a lot of space on your Android device because it includes a wide variety of files and data that aren’t easily categorized.
This can include things like app data, cached data, system files, and logs, all of which can accumulate over time and take up significant amounts of storage space.
How can I check how much ‘Other’ storage is taking up space on my Android device?
To check how much ‘Other’ storage is taking up space on your Android device, go to the Settings app and then to Storage.
From there, you should be able to see a breakdown of how much space is being used by different categories of data, including ‘Other’.
How can I clear ‘Other’ storage on my Android device?
To clear ‘Other’ storage on your Android device, there are several steps you can take, including clearing your device’s cache, deleting unused apps, and clearing app data.
You can also use third-party apps like Clean Master or CCleaner to help clear out unnecessary files and data.
Will clearing ‘Other’ storage delete any important files or data from my Android device?
Clearing ‘Other’ storage shouldn’t delete any important files or data from your Android device, but it’s always a good idea to back up any important files before making any changes to your device’s storage.
If you’re not sure what a particular file or data set is, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave it alone.
How often should I clear ‘Other’ storage on my Android device?
The frequency with which you should clear ‘Other’ storage on your Android device will depend on how often you use your device and how much data you generate.
Conclusion
Clearing the ‘Other’ storage on your Android device can help you free up some much-needed space on your device.
By following the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you can identify the sources of ‘Other’ storage on your device and take the necessary actions to remove them.
Remember to regularly monitor your device’s storage usage and clear out any unnecessary files or data to keep your device running smoothly.
With a little effort and attention, you can keep your Android device free of clutter and running at its best.