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Android users usually encounter the issue of excess storage consumption by their device over time. There are several types of storage on an Android device, one of which is the “Other” storage. It can accumulate a significant amount of storage over time, causing frustration to users who need more space. This storage can include cache data, app data, and other miscellaneous files, which can accumulate as unused or temporary data. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean other storage on Android to free up space for more important data.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To clean the “Other” storage on your Android device, there are a few things you’ll need:
- Your Android device with sufficient battery life or plugged into an outlet to avoid interruptions
- A stable internet connection to download cleaning apps, if required
- Time and patience to go through the process
- A backup of essential files, just in case of any unforeseen issues
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we dive into the different methods of cleaning other storage on Android, it’s essential to understand what requires your focus during the process.
- Ensure that you follow each step carefully to avoid any accidental deletions of useful files or apps.
- Before you clean your device’s storage, make sure to back up any important files and data to avoid unintended consequences.
- Some cleaning apps, if used, may require a subscription fee, so ensure that you read the terms and conditions of each app before downloading or purchasing.
- Be patient. Depending on the size and amount of data on your device, the cleaning process may take a while. Don’t interrupt the clean-up process because it may affect your device’s performance.
Different Methods to Clean the Other Storage on Android
There are different ways to clean the "Other" storage on an Android device. Here are three methods to consider:
Method 1: Clearing App Cache and Data Manually
This method helps you clear cache data and unwanted app data to free up space on different Android versions. The following steps guide you through the process.
Step 1. Launch your device’s Settings, and locate "Apps and notifications" or "Applications" depending on your Android version.
Step 2. Tap on the "See all apps" or "App list" option.
Step 3. Select the app that you want to clear cache or data from.
Step 4. Tap on "Storage and cache" or "Storage" depending on your Android version.
Step 5. Click on the "Clear cache" or "Clear data" button. This action will remove all temporary files and app data related to that specific app.
Step 6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for other apps as required.
Pros:
- It’s free
- It reduces storage space occupied by unwanted files and cache data
Cons:
- It doesn’t clear all "Other" data categories like downloads and temporary files from the device.
- You may accidentally delete essential app data and files.
Method 2: Using Google’s Files App
Google’s Files app is a free, easy-to-use app that helps you clear unwanted files and "Other" data from your device. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Install the Google Files app on your device from the Google Play Store if you don’t have it already installed.
Step 2. Once installed, launch the app. It may take some time to load depending on the amount of data on your device.
Step 3. Tap on the "Clean" button. The app will do a quick scan for junk files and other data that can be cleaned up.
Step 4. Review the categories of files and data that the app suggests for deletion.
Step 5. Tap on each category to view the files in it, then select the ones you want to remove and click on the "Delete" button.
Pros:
- The app is free and readily available on the Google Play Store.
- It helps to detect and remove large files that consume the device’s storage space.
Cons:
- The app may miss files in uncommon files paths.
- The app doesn’t clear app data or cache data specifically, which can take up significant storage space.
Method 3: Using Cleaning Apps
There are several free or paid cleaning apps on the Google Play Store designed to help you free disk space by removing unwanted files and other data from your Android device. Carefully review comments, ratings, and agreements before choosing one. Here’s a guide on how to use them:
Step 1. Browse and download a cleaning app on the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Install and launch the app.
Step 3. Click on the "Scan" button to initiate a scan of your device for unwanted files.
Step 4. The app will display a list of categories of files and data that can be removed from your device. Review and select the categories you desire, such as app data, cache data, downloads, etc.
Step 5. Click on the "Delete" or "Clean" button, after selecting the desired files and data to be cleared.
Pros:
- It’s easy and quick to use.
- It provides access to different functionality for cleaning various sets of data
- It identifies and cleans all the necessary files and removes them.
Cons:
- The free version of some cleaning apps may come with ads.
- It may prompt to purchase a subscription or upgrade to use specific functionalities.
- Some cleaning apps require many permissions that can compromise user data privacy.
Why Can’t I Clean the Other Storage on Android?
There could be a few reasons why you can’t clean the "Other" Storage on Android:
1. Lack of knowledge on alternative ways of cleaning the "Other" storage on the device.
Fix: Research the device’s resources and perform more in-depth research on the issue.
2. Insufficient storage space on the device to perform cleanup.
Fix: Uninstall and delete files that are no longer needed to free up space for the cleanup.
3. Use of older versions of Android devices that don’t have updated storage-cleaning features.
Fix: Upgrade to the latest Android version and perform a clean-up according to the updated instructions.
Implications and Recommendations
Taking these steps to clean your device’s "Other" storage can have long-term benefits, such as improving device performance and extending its lifespan. Here are some additional recommendations:
- Perform regular storage clean-ups to optimize your device’s performance.
- Monitor your device’s storage space, and frequently delete unwanted files and data.
- Use the best lightweight apps with minimal features to optimize your device’s storage.
5 FAQs about Cleaning Other Storage on Android
Q1: Will deleting app data or cache files affect how my device works?
A1: Deleting app data or cache files won’t cause any specific problems when it comes to how your device works. However, those files may be necessary, and you may lose certain settings that you previously had set within that app. It’s recommended to take note of the relevant information before deleting app data or cache files.
Q2: How often should I perform storage clean-ups on my Android device?
A2: It’s recommended to perform storage clean-ups on your device always, ideally at least once a week or immediately as available storage space of device reaches to advise limit.
Q3: Is it possible to restore files and data after they have been deleted on Android?
A3: It’s possible if you backed up the files or data before deletion. Otherwise, there’s no way to recover lost data after deletion.
Q4: Can I automate the cleaning process of the Other storage on Android?
A4: Some Android cleaning apps have features that schedule automated clean-ups. You can set it up to perform regular automatic clean-ups without your intervention at the set intervals.
Q5: Can other storage be cleared from the device completely?
A5: No, the "Other" storage category may always contain specific temporary files and other data. However, keeping other storage at a minimum will keep your device running without issue.
In Conclusion
Cleaning the "Other" storage on your Android device can help free up unnecessary storage space and improve device performance. You can use the manual method of clearing app cache and data, use Google’s Files app, or install a cleaning app to perform the task. It’s recommended to take note of particular information before deleting files or data. Plus, it’s essential to monitor device storage and perform regular clean-ups for optimal device performance.