There are specific steps to follow to manually remove uncategorized or miscellaneous files taking up storage on your Samsung Galaxy device. These steps guide you through finding and removing files you no longer have use for, which will help free up your phone's storage.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Open Your App List
To begin with, you need to access your phone's app list. Swipe up on the home screen of your Samsung Galaxy device to open the list of applications installed on your phone.
Step 2: Open the “My Files” Application
The next step is to open the "My Files" application. This is Samsung's in-built file explorer and organizer. You will generally find this in your app list, possibly inside the Samsung folder. Open the application to access all of your files.
Step 3: Access the Files in the Downloads Folder
Once inside the "My Files" app, navigate to your downloads folder. This is typically where most uncategorized files end up. It will include any files you have downloaded from the internet, sent to your device via Bluetooth, or received via apps such as WhatsApp or Email.
Step 4: Remove Unnecessary Files
The last step in this process is the removal of unnecessary files. This is where it gets tricky, as you must be careful not to delete any critical files. Look for ZIP files, files with unknown extensions, unsupported HEIF files(Used by Apple's iPhone phones for pictures), and files initially designed to be supported on other OS platforms. These are typically safe to delete, especially from apps or systems you no longer use. Select the files you wish to delete and confirm their deletion to clear up space.
By manually removing these uncategorized files, you can ensure that you are only deleting files that are not needed, maintaining important data whilst freeing up valuable storage space on your device.
Clear Out Cache Partitions and Repair Apps
Another significant way to declutter 'Other' storage in your Samsung Galaxy devices is by clearing cache partitions and repairing applications. This process involves accessing the rather sensitive recovery mode; hence be cautious not to alter options that might destabilize your device's functionality.
Step 1: Quit All Apps on the Phone
Begin by ensuring all applications running on your phone are closed. This is crucial to prevent any interference during the operation.
Step 2: Connect the Phone to a Device via USB
Connect your phone to another device, like a personal computer, via a USB cable for safety measures. This step can help you to prevent any loss of data just in case something goes awry during the process.
Step 3: Shut down the phone and reboot into recovery mode
Power off your phone and reboot into recovery mode. This is done by simultaneously holding the power and volume up buttons until the Samsung logo appears. Once you see the Android Recovery screen, you can release the buttons.
Step 4: Wipe the Cache Partition Using Volume Keys and Power Button
Once in recovery mode, navigate to 'Wipe cache partition' using the volume keys and select it by pressing the power button. This will clear the system cache.
Step 5: Repair Apps on Main Android Recovery Window
The final step is to repair apps. On the main Android Recovery window, use the volume keys to highlight the 'Repair Apps' option and press the power button to select it. After this process, reboot your Samsung device to enjoy the extra storage space.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce the 'Other' category taking up storage on your Samsung device, improving its efficiency and performance.
Empty Recycle Bin
While using your Samsung Galaxy device, various files may be moved to the recycle bin. Over time, these discarded files accumulate and take up a significant amount of storage. By emptying the recycle bin, you can reclaim this storage space.
Step 1: Open Settings and Navigate to “Battery and Device Care”
On your Samsung Galaxy device, locate the 'Settings' application and open it. Scroll down to find the 'Battery and device care' section and select it. This is where most options for device maintenance are found.
Step 2: Access the Storage Function
In the 'Battery and device care' section, locate and select the 'Storage' option. This option allows you to view the detailed storage situation of your device, making it easier to determine the areas needing clearance.
Step 3: Locate and Access the “Recycle Bin”
From the 'Storage' function, scroll down to locate the 'Recycle bin' option and select it. This will open up a list of all files and folders moved to the recycle bin.
Step 4: Choose “My Files” and “Empty” the Bin
Under the 'Recycle bin,' you'll see two sections - 'My files' and 'Gallery.' Select 'My files' first and tap the 'Empty' button. This will permanently erase all items in the recycle bin, reclaiming your valuable storage space.
Step 5: Clear items in Photos and Videos. Recycle Bin as well
Remember to clear the 'Gallery' recycle bin to erase discarded images and videos. Repeat the same steps as with the 'My Files' section.
By routinely emptying the recycle bin, you can optimize your 'Other' storage space, thereby maintaining your Samsung Galaxy device's performance and speed.
Uninstall Large Apps and Clear Secure Folder
Sometimes, your Samsung Galaxy device's 'Other' storage category could be complete due to large apps and files saved in secure folders. Uninstalling unused large apps and performing a cleanup of your secure folder can help to free up storage.
Step 1: Open Play Store and Navigate to “Manage Apps and Devices”
Open the Google Play Store app on your device and access the 'Manage apps and devices' option. This is where you can view all the apps installed on your device
Step 2: View Apps by Size and Uninstall Large Apps
In the 'Manage apps and devices' section, sort the apps by size. This will list your apps according to the amount of storage they are using. If there are larger apps that you are not actively using, consider uninstalling them to free up space.
Step 3: Access the “Secure folder” in the Samsung Folder
Next, navigate to the Samsung folder on your device and locate the 'Secure folder.' This is where encrypted files are stored, which might take up significant storage space.
Step 4: Identify Unnecessary Files and Delete Them
Go through the files in the secure folder and identify the ones that are not necessary. After identifying such files, delete them to reclaim your storage.
Step 5: Clear Recycle Bin Once Again
Remember, deleted files move to the recycle bin and still occupy storage until permanently erased. So, to complete the process, revisit the recycle bin and empty it again.
Step 6: Enable “Show Hidden System Files” in My Files Settings
Find 'My Files' on your device, access the settings, and turn on the 'Show hidden system files option. It will reveal the hidden files which occupy a part of your storage and are not generally visible.
Step 7: Delete any Hidden Files With Extension Names Only
Look out for any hidden files that may not be necessary. Especially those with an extension name only, as these files might be redundant or left by uninstalled apps. Be cautious not to delete system files vital for the device's functioning.
By uninstalling large apps, clearing the secure folder, and taking care of hidden files, you can effectively manage the 'Other' storage category of your Samsung Galaxy device and optimize its storage use.
