This article explains how to find and delete junk files from an Android device. You can use a free tool like Clean Master if you are unsure which files to delete.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Manually Delete Data
Step 1. Open the Android settings
A quick way to do this is to drag down the notification bar from the top of the home screen and tap the gear icon. It is located at the top right of the notification panel.
It is best to use an application to free up space in case you are not sure which files to delete. Read this method
Step 2. Scroll down and tap Storage
The device will calculate the available space and show you a list with the various types of files.
Step 3. Tap Various
This option may be called "Other" on some devices. A pop-up message will appear.
Step 4. Read the message and tap Explore
This will open the Android file manager.
Step 5. Tap a folder with the files you want to delete
You should only delete files that you are sure you don't need. In this case it is better not to guess.
The downloads folder is a good place to start, as it may contain PDFs or other files that you no longer need. What you delete from the downloads folder will not affect the operation of any application
Step 6. Tap and hold a file you want to delete
This will select it and activate the multiple selection mode of the file manager. To select other files in this folder, tap them.
Step 7. Tap the trash icon
It is located at the top right. A confirmation message will appear.
Continue only if you are sure you don't actually need the selected files
Step 8. Tap Ok
The selected file will be deleted from the folder.
Method 2 of 2: Using Clean Master
Step 1. Install Clean Master from the Play Store
It is a free application that can help you safely delete unnecessary files from your Android device. Here's how to download it:
-
Open the Play Store
- Search for clean master.
- Touch Clean Master - Space Cleaner & Antivirus by Cheetah Mobile. The icon looks like a paintbrush.
- Touch Install.
Step 2. Open Clean Master
Touch You open if you are still in the Play Store, if not, tap the Clean Master icon in the app drawer (depicting a blue and yellow brush).
Step 3. Tap Get started on the welcome screen
Step 4. Tap Clean Now
Clean Master will scan your device for unnecessary files. When the scan is complete, the amount of space consumed by these files will appear.
Step 5. Scroll down to see them
You will be able to read a description of the type of files found, but also of the space they occupy. Each file has a green box next to its name: if a check mark appears in the box, then it has been selected.
Step 6. Uncheck all files that you don't want to delete
To do this, just tap the check mark.
Step 7. Tap Clean Unnecessary Files
It's a green button at the bottom of the screen. The selected files will be deleted from the device.
