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Running out of storage on your Samsung smartphone can be frustrating, especially when you're not ready to part with your cherished photos. Fortunately, there are effective ways to free up space without touching your gallery. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you reclaim storage and enhance your device's performance.

1. Identify Storage Usage

Before making any changes, it's essential to understand what's consuming your device's storage.

• Navigate to: Settings > Battery and device care > Storage.

• Review: You'll see a breakdown of storage usage by categories such as Apps, Images, Videos, Audio, Documents, and System files.

This overview helps pinpoint areas where you can free up space without affecting your photos.

2. Uninstall Unused Applications

Applications, especially games and media-heavy apps, can occupy significant storage.

• Steps to Uninstall:

  • Go to Settings > Apps.

  • Browse through the list and identify apps you no longer use.

  • Select the app and tap Uninstall.

Regularly reviewing and removing unused apps can free up substantial space.

3. Clear App Cache and Data

Over time, apps accumulate cache and data that can be cleared to free up storage.

• Steps to Clear Cache/Data:

  • Navigate to Settings > Apps.

  • Select an app.

  • Tap Storage.

  • Choose Clear cache and, if necessary, Clear data.

Clearing cache can resolve performance issues and reclaim storage without affecting your personal data.

4. Delete Duplicate Files

Duplicate files can accumulate from multiple downloads or backups.

• Steps to Remove Duplicates:

  • Open the My Files app.

  • Tap Manage Storage.

  • Select Duplicate files.

  • Review and delete unnecessary duplicates.

Regularly checking for and removing duplicate files helps maintain organized and efficient storage.

5. Remove Large Files

Large files, such as videos or high-resolution documents, can consume significant storage.

• Steps to Identify and Delete Large Files:

  • Open the My Files app.

  • Tap Manage Storage.

  • Select Large files.

  • Review and delete or move files as needed.

Transferring large files to cloud storage or external devices can also help free up space.

6. Empty the Trash Folder

Deleted files often remain in the Trash folder, still occupying storage.

• Steps to Empty Trash:

  • Open the My Files app.

  • Tap Manage Storage.

  • Select Trash.

  • Tap the three-dot menu and choose Empty.

Note: Files in the Trash are automatically deleted after 30 days, but manual clearing ensures immediate space recovery.

7. Utilize an SD Card

If your device supports it, using an SD card can significantly expand your storage capacity.

• Steps to Move Files to SD Card:

  • Insert an SD card into your device.

  • Open the My Files app.

  • Navigate to Internal Storage.

  • Select files or folders to move.

  • Tap Move, then choose SD card as the destination.

Storing media files on an SD card frees up internal storage for apps and system processes.

8. Avoid Third-Party Cleaner Apps

While third-party cleaner apps promise to optimize your device, they often duplicate existing functions and may introduce security risks. Samsung devices come equipped with built-in tools to manage storage effectively.

• Use Built-in Tools:

  • Navigate to Settings > Battery and device care.

  • Tap Optimize now to let your device automatically free up space and improve performance.

Relying on native features ensures compatibility and security.

9. Regularly Back Up Data

Backing up your data to cloud services like Samsung Cloud or Google Drive not only secures your information but also allows you to delete local copies to free up space.

• Steps to Back Up Data:

  • Go to Settings > Accounts and backup.

  • Select Backup and restore.

  • Choose your preferred backup service and follow the prompts.

Regular backups ensure your data is safe and your device remains uncluttered.

10. Monitor and Manage Downloads

Downloaded files, such as documents, images, and installation files, can accumulate over time.

• Steps to Manage Downloads:

  • Open the My Files app.

  • Navigate to the Downloads folder.

  • Review and delete files that are no longer needed.

Keeping the Downloads folder tidy prevents unnecessary storage usage.

Conclusion

Maintaining optimal storage on your Samsung device doesn't require sacrificing your photo gallery. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your storage, enhance device performance, and ensure your cherished memories remain untouched. Regular maintenance and mindful usage are key to a seamless smartphone experience.