How to clean the phone system. How to clear internal storage on Android. How to move apps to SD card

The other day I ran into the eternal problem of most users of android devices - how to clear system memory on Android... For example, on my Lenovo phone p780 it is 2 GB. I don’t remember how many there were originally for user needs, but for a year I completely ran out of it, there were only 80 MB left, and this despite the fact that I took a bunch of applications from the internal memory, and free space at the same time it did not increase in any way ... In the internet there are just tons of information on this score, everyone gives some advice, ranging from the banal ones - to transfer applications to the SD card to cleaning system applications, but all this did not help me at all. Some even advise doing a general reset - but this is generally the most difficult case. And for now, let's put it off. So I had to thoroughly understand everything myself and try at my own peril and risk.

Immediately I wanted to warn you that I in no way insist that everything that will be written below is true in the last instance. I just shared my experience, and whether to apply it or not, it's only your choice and only you are responsible for all your actions.

First of all, I made myself a root for full access to the device's memory and got down to business. I got root access using a computer program - Root Genius.

How to get ROOT rights to Android using Root Genius

Everything is very simple and straightforward - absolutely any user can figure it out.

In this article, I will consider all the ways to clear memory on Android phones and tablets. In other words: we free up memory for important things and speed up the device.

At the same time, we will learn to cleanse as RAM(will speed up the device) and physical (free up space for new programs or data).

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.

Types of memory on Android gadgets

Android phones, as well as computers, use two types of memory:

  • RAM (RAM) - random access memory. It contains data only during the direct operation of the gadget. Included applications, tabs in the browser, running games - all these processes consume part of the RAM.
  • ROM (ROM) - permanent storage device. All information is stored in memory until you delete it yourself. This category includes all files on the phone, application cache, etc. (read)

ROM memory in Android devices is divided into built-in memory (initially located on the device and is used to store files like HDD on a PC) and a storage device (memory card, built-in memory).

When these types of memory run out, the phone starts malfunctioning and. To eliminate the error, you need to clean the ROM and RAM from the "garbage".

Phone memory usage statistics

First, you need to check how much of what memory is left in the device. We carry out the following steps:

  • Open the phone settings.
  • Go to the "Memory" menu.
  • You can find here detailed information about external and internal memory. The user has access to information about the built-in and external memory... The list is divided into sections, where it is described how much memory is in total, what it is busy with and how much free space is left.
  • To see what part of the ROM and RAM is free, you need to hold down the "Menu" button on the phone panel.
  • The displayed window shows a list of running applications. At the bottom there is a button labeled "Available ... MB from ... GB". There, the second digit means the sum of RAM and ROM, and the first - how much is currently available from the shared memory.

Video how to clear / free up memory on Android

How do I clear the memory manually?

If you do not want to resort to the help of third-party software, or you do not have free space to install it, then you can clean it manually. By following the procedures below, the phone will work significantly faster:

  • Delete messages.
  • Cleaning the cache of applications and the browser.
  • Cleaning files (videos, photos, etc.) saved on the gadget.
  • Removing unnecessary and old applications.

Such cleaning will take longer than working with applications, but the results will be much more effective.

Application cache

The cache is an intermediate buffer with data that can be requested in the near future. After clearing it, time can be saved on solving problems and calculating tasks, which will increase the performance of the gadget.

The file cache is accumulated, storing data for each used and installed application. If a blockage occurs, then you need to free the entire cache.

Instructions for clearing the cache:

  • Go to the phone settings menu.
  • We find in the settings menu "All applications".
  • A manager will open, where you can find data on third-party and system applications, cache memory. Sort the list with all programs by size.
  • We open any program. In the window that appears, you can select "Erase all data" (information on the hard disk will be deleted) and the option "Clear cache". Click on the second button.

You can repeat this procedure with existing applications to completely clear the cache memory.

Removing garbage in the browser

  • We open the working browser, launch the side menu. There we select the "History" section.
  • In the window that appears, select "Clear history".
  • Set the acceptable settings (what exactly to delete, which time period to choose, etc.), click on "Delete data".

This instruction is based on an example. Google chrome, since it is the standard browser in the Android system. In other browsers, the process for cleaning up garbage is slightly different.

Deleting Messages

If you are using a relatively new phone, then this item is optional. A gadget that has been in use for several years contains several thousand messages.

Their number over time (including MMC with multimedia data) on the internal memory may take up some space. You can completely delete messages like this:

Removing applications

If you cannot install new games or programs, then the permanent memory of the gadget is full. To clear it, you need to uninstall unnecessary applications through the Android menu.

If your device has firmware that does not have a full-fledged menu (for example, Meizu phones or Xiaomi), then applications should be uninstalled directly on the desktop. Hold the application icon with your finger, then drag it at the top of the screen to the basket.

If the shell of the Android system used has a full-fledged menu, then deletion from the desktop can only lead to. To execute complete removal, you should go to the menu, also click on the program icon, then move it to the trash.

Deleting files

WITH internal storage you can get rid of garbage using the standard file manager. On different phones The interface of such applications is different, so let's look at the process of cleaning files using ES Explorer as an example:

  • On the Android phone, go to the Play Market, enter the name of the application in the search bar and click “Install” on the page with information.
  • Launch ES File Explorer and explore some getting started tips. At the top of the screen are data about the occupied / free space on the internal memory (1), the "Analysis" icon, which is responsible for the analysis of the required cleaning (2). It is necessary to click on the "Cleaning" button (3).
  • Then the program will analyze the unnecessary information and display a list for you. Click on "Clear" at the bottom of the screen.
  • Now go to the side menu in the "Local storage" section (1), then select "Device" (2).
  • You will see a window with all the available folders on the built-in storage. There you can check their contents, delete all unnecessary ones. To do this, hold down the file for 2 seconds, then click on "Delete" in the pop-up menu in the lower panel. This also cleans up the SD card.
  • With ES Explorer, you can clean your library with music, pictures, etc. To do this, go to the menu, select the "Libraries" section and go to the required tab (3).
  • To empty the trash on Android, go through the menu to the "Trash" tab.
  • You also need to check for hidden files that can occupy a large amount. To do this, in the menu, you must activate "Show hidden files”, And then go to the folder to check for their presence.

We looked at how manual cleaning from debris using an ES conductor. Now let's look at examples of clearing memory with other software.

We work with third-party applications

There are many available in Play Market free apps that allow you to clean your phone in a few clicks. Below we will explore the most practical and popular ones.

Clean master

It is one of the best known apps in its category. V Clean master you can perform a complete cleaning of the gadget from cache, temporary files, empty and damaged folders, browser history and other garbage.

The utility also includes a built-in antivirus and automatic closing unnecessary programs... The application has a convenient and pleasant interface that allows you to clean the gadget by two clicks of the buttons "Analysis", "Clear".

System monitoring in Android Assistant

This program is included in the top Play Market and has a fairly wide list of functions:

  • A process manager that lets you manage running applications in a couple of taps.
  • Continuous monitoring of the system. The option provides the user with information about the state of memory, system load, battery temperature and other useful things.
  • App 2 SD option allows installed programs quickly move from internal to external memory.
  • The ability to view a list with applications that start automatically when the gadget is turned on, as well as disable them.
  • Clearing phone memory from unnecessary files by pressing one button.

Total commander

This utility allows you to organize all the files that are on the gadget. Total Commander and rar. Its capabilities also include transferring and editing the contents of the device from place to place or to another gadget.

Transfer files from Android phone

Transferring files to a flash card

This method is suitable for gadgets that support SD cards. To free up phone memory, everyone possible files can be transferred to a flash card. This feature must be specified in the settings:

  • Dictaphone.
  • Cameras.
  • Messengers.
  • Browser.
  • File loader.

The list goes on and on. Particular attention should be paid to applications that work with "heavy" files. For example, an audio, video or image editor.

When saving files to a memory card, you need to create (if this is not done automatically) a folder for all applications there. Then you can avoid problems with overflowing phone memory.

You cannot use this option to clear memory for system files. Because of it, problems with the performance of the device may appear. To move existing files, you can use the ES Explorer discussed above.

Moving files to Android using a PC

Synchronizing your phone with your computer has many benefits. File exchange will become available, and the amount of free memory can be kept at the desired level.

It's very easy to connect your Android device to your computer. It is enough to connect these devices via a USB cable. This does not require downloading drivers and additional programs.

On modern computer operating systems, it is easy to determine the type of connected gadget. Its memory can be entered using standard conductors.

A more modern solution is to use the AirDroid program, with which you can move files from Android to PC and vice versa remotely. When you are away from home, you can download music or a movie from your own media library, run this file on your gadget.

You don't need any wires, just have a stable Internet network. Both the phone and the PC must be connected to the Internet.

Cloud services

Today there is no need to download the files you need to your phone. You can upload them to special cloud services and use when needed. Almost all leading companies provide users with the opportunity to use cloud services for free.

The most popular cloud storage:

All these solutions have applications for convenient file synchronization with a remote server. It is enough to install such an application, mark required files to transfer them to the server and clear the phone memory. Then, when you need to use such a file, just go to the application and click on it.

If the message “internal phone memory is full” appears on the device, it means that you need to clear the ROM memory. Overflowing memory not only limits the ability to receive files, install and update applications, but also slows down the smartphone as a whole. To fix this problem, follow a few simple "tricks" - this will allow you to clear the memory yourself at any time.

Some users are confused about the overflowing memory. nothing is specifically saved to the device, and the memory fills up quickly anyway. This happens because absolutely all received files (not only recorded and downloaded ones) are stored in ROM memory, as a result, it can overflow very quickly and the phone starts to slow down.

Files are saved in internal memory in the following cases:

  • When you create any content - photo, video, audio recording.
  • When you receive any files in any messengers and social networks(Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, etc.).
  • When you receive files via bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Helpful advice: the use of cloud storage and external memory allows you to significantly "unload" internal memory.

We clear the internal memory of the phone

Before you start clearing the memory, you should prevent it from being "littered" in the future. To do this, you need to specify the saving of all files to the memory card (and not to ROM) in the settings of all tools:

  • Camera;
  • All messengers;
  • Voice recorder;
  • Navigators and GPS-maps;
  • Graphic and text editors;
  • Browser loader;
  • Programs for downloading files (photo, video, music).

Most applications require you to specify the saving path - for this you need to create a folder on the memory card and specify its location. Now all received files will be saved in this folder on the card without clogging up the internal memory.

How to free up space

After the folders for the files to be transferred are created on the memory card of the android device, you can start moving. At the same time, you need to understand that the space on the memory card is also not infinite, and only those files that you need and that you know should be moved.

Important: don't try to move system files, this can lead to system crashes. If a file is in doubt, it is better not to touch it.

There are 2 main options for moving files:

  • By connecting to a computer via a USB cable.
  • Directly on the android device itself.

The choice of the option of moving depends on the availability of "available means", as well as the type and volume of the files being moved.

Removing other files

To clear memory, you need to delete unnecessary files from the following folders:

  • DCIM;
  • Video (as a rule, they are the ones who take up the most space);
  • Download;
  • Sounds;
  • Bluetooth;
  • Music;
  • Movies;

Some applications automatically create their own folders on the device - they also need to be checked and, if necessary, cleaned (these can be downloaders, instant messengers, maps, editors, etc.).

Moving files using a PC

Android device connects to computer using USB cable- now you get access to the internal memory and the card directly from your PC. This is convenient because it is easier and faster to view files on your computer in order to decide whether to move or delete them.

Installation of additional drivers, as a rule, is not required, the computer automatically finds the connected device and opens access to it.

When a smartphone / tablet is connected in storage mode (MTP), two portable devices are displayed on the computer - the phone memory and the SD card. Actually, all manipulations will be carried out between these devices. For this, the standard functions "Cut" and "Paste" are used.

Important: it should be noted that with this method of moving files, there is a non-zero risk of catching a virus. First of all, this concerns untested PCs and cables that are not "native". Therefore, if you are worried about the safety of the devices available, it is better to clear the internal memory directly from the android device itself.

There is also the possibility of remote and intranet connection of a smartphone / tablet to a computer using special services.

At remote control You get on your PC access to files stored on the internal memory - this is done using any browser. To do this, you only need to have both devices (phone and PC) on the network, and you can continue to use them for their intended purpose.

Moving files without a computer

To move files from internal memory to a card in the android device itself is used file manager... It can be installed by default, or you can download your preferred file manager in advance (there are several free options).

The file manager allows you to select and set an action for several files or folders at the same time. This is done like this:

  • Select the selected files / folders on the android device with a long press;
  • Press the "More" button, which is located in the lower right corner;
  • Select the function "Move to";
  • Select "sdcard" and specify the path to move (pre-created folder).

Moving apps to the memory card of android device

Applications take up the bulk of memory, and it is very inconvenient to constantly uninstall and install them. Most applications are automatically installed into the internal memory.

If you have already learned how to move files from the internal memory of an android smartphone / tablet to a card, it may be tempting to do the same with applications in order to simply “get” them from the memory card and not download them again at the right time.

Applications on android devices can also be moved from the internal memory to the card, but there are certain restrictions that should be taken into account.

First of all, you need to get administrator rights (root) - for this you need to install special software. Please note that tampering with the settings at this level will automatically void the device warranty. Therefore, if you have any doubts, it is better to leave everything as it is, so as not to "ruin" the device with inept actions.

How do I get root rights?

The most convenient way is custom recovery... Before changing the settings, make sure that your smartphone is at least 50% charged and that you have a working, safe USB cable at hand.

The PC must have drivers, as well as special software designed to work with the firmware of Samsung devices.

  • Disable "Remote Control" in the settings;
  • In the developer options, enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
  • Then we restart the phone and go to the recovery menu.
  • We connect the device to the PC and run the software for working with the firmware.

If you are confident in your abilities and are ready for possible consequences, after obtaining administrator rights, you need to install special application to transfer applications from internal memory to card. Now you can move not only downloaded but also preinstalled applications to the card (but this must be done very carefully so as not to damage the system).

Cleaning up system memory

Clearing system memory also requires administrator rights, as well as an understanding of which applications can be removed and which cannot. Also besides root rights file explorer required.

If you have all this, you can start cleaning:

  • Open explorer as root;
  • Go to the / system / app folder
  • Select the application .apk and also the .odex file with the same name
  • Select the "Delete" item in the menu
  • Go to / data / app and remove updates for remote applications
  • Go to / data / data and delete the data of these applications

Cleaning the device from debris

Periodic cleaning of debris allows you to save high speed operation of the device and quickly track the level of memory fullness. Garbage means the cache from the visited pages on the Internet, the remnants of files and applications after deletion, etc.

Some debris fragments are almost impossible to detect with the “naked” eye, and in general, cleaning everything by hand is long and ineffective. There is special software specifically for removing garbage - as a rule, it "weighs" quite a bit, and makes it possible to clean the device at any time. This should be done regularly, several times a week / month, depending on your Internet activity.

This specialized application cleans the cache and remnants of deleted files / applications on its own, and then offers to perform an extended cleaning. At this stage, unnecessary files must be selected and deleted manually. This combined approach to "keeping your device clean" allows you to quickly get rid of junk without risking important files.


One of the weak points of the Android OS is considered to be the system memory, especially if specifications devices exclude the possibility of adding it. The situation is further complicated by the fact that over time all kinds of installation modules and files accumulate, which noticeably affects the speed of the gadget. Therefore, many users are beginning to wonder - how to free up system memory on Android?

There are several known effective methods, which will be discussed in this guide.

Modern phones (tablets) have system (built-in) memory and additional memory cards. And, if (if there is nothing valuable on it), then with system memory everything is a little more complicated.

Cleaning through the built-in conductor

Memory full? You can use a special conductor, which is in the device itself (in different devices the name may differ):

Open the utility, select the category that needs cleaning. These can be applications or documents, archives or images, videos or music. At the top, find the pencil image (edit) and click on it:

In the window that opens, the contents of the folder of the selected category will appear, mark unnecessary files. Delete them by clicking on the trash can icon:

Cleaning with Clean Master

The next way is to use the Clean Master utility, which is considered one of the most popular, significantly accelerating work. mobile devices... Applications running on the device not only "eat up" the memory, but also the battery charge. The new task killer implemented in the program will be able to terminate the work of unwanted applications, which will free up a significant amount of memory and increase the speed of the device. You won't need superuser rights, but if you have them, the task killer will function better.

The work algorithm is quite simple:

Run Clean Master - a window opens with two circles, where the larger one characterizes the system memory, and the smaller one characterizes the operative memory:

Select "Memory" (can be "Device" or something else) - the scanning process starts. As a result of the check, it becomes clear what exactly will help free memory.

A table opens, where you need to select those files that can be deleted or compressed, confirm their deletion by clicking on "Save":

The cleaning process may take some time, after which the message "Space is freed" will pop up.

Cleaning with the task manager

You can clear memory using the built-in task manager:

  • Go to the "Settings" menu.
  • Select the "Applications" submenu.
  • Clear memory by selecting a utility (one or more applications) and clicking "Uninstall".

Transfer Apps to SD Card

There are situations when the memory has disappeared somewhere, although the user has not yet managed to install anything. This can be explained:

  • the presence of viruses - you will have to run an extraordinary (thorough) scan with one of the many antiviruses;
  • updating previously installed programs that take up more and more free space.

If the problem with viruses disappears, then you need to configure the storage (memory on Android). Simply put, any application can be transferred to a memory card. The main thing is to follow these steps:

  • Enter the "Settings" menu.
  • Click on the program (icon) to be moved.
  • Transfer it to the memory card by selecting the appropriate button.

Unfortunately, this method is only suitable for those programs that are not systemic.

Saving data to external media

Among installed applications for sure there are those that store data received from the network in the device. The simplest example is readers and online players. To prevent the internal memory of your phone (tablet) from overflowing, you need to configure them in such a way that all data is written to an external card.

Using cloud services

The modern user doesn't need to store information on Android that may never be useful. It is necessary to keep in memory only what is important at the moment. All other data can be safely downloaded to cloud storage where they will bide their time.

As you can see from our material, not even the most advanced user will be able to optimize their Andryukha. Well, for clarity of the procedure - video

A complete wipe of an Android phone is rarely required. Usually, such a need arises before the sale of the device or in the event of some software failure, for example, after.

Complete phone cleaning is done using the built-in Android functions called "Factory data reset". This function available in the "Settings" application, it deletes all user data from the built-in phone memory, thus returning the device to the state in which it left the factory.

In this article, we will demonstrate how to access the "Factory data reset" function using several examples. Android devices... Also note that this procedure deletes data only from the built-in memory. Android phone, while the memory card remains intact and if you want to clear it, you will need to do this separately using the "Format" function. The only exception is encrypted memory cards; after the device is reset, their contents become inaccessible.

Complete phone cleaning using Android 5.1.1 as an example

First, we'll show you how to completely clean your phone under control. operating system Android 5.1.1. To do this, open the "Settings" application, scroll down the list of settings and go to the "Restore and reset" section, which is located in the "Personal data" block.

This will display a screen with information about what data will be deleted by wiping the phone. If you agree with the deletion of this data, then click on the "Reset settings" button.

After that, your phone will start a full memory cleaning procedure, which will take a few minutes. Once completed, the phone will reboot and be completely clean as it was from the factory.

Complete phone cleaning using Android 8.1.0 as an example

On Android 8.1.0 complete cleaning the phone is executed a little differently. In this version, you need to go to the "Settings" application and go to the "System" section.

And select the option "Delete all data (factory reset)".

After that, you need to confirm the action by clicking on the "Reset settings" button.

As a result, Android will begin the procedure for completely clearing the phone's memory. Once completed, the phone will reboot and be completely clean as it was from the factory.

Complete phone cleaning using the example of Samsung Galaxy S4 mini

Many phone manufacturers use a shell of their own production instead of the standard Android interface. For example, in Android Samsung phone The Galaxy S4 mini uses an interface called TouchWiz. Here, in order to completely clear the phone, you need to open the tab “ Accounts"And go to the section" Backup and reset ".

After that, you need to open the "Reset data" section and confirm the reset of the phone.

As a result, a complete cleaning of the phone memory will start. After completing this procedure, the phone will reboot and become completely clean as it was from the factory.

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