All modern portable digital devices running Android are linked to a personal email or profile in in social networks. Therefore, if you decide to sell your beloved Android smartphone or tablet, but you don’t want personal data, photos or videos to become available to the buyer, then in such cases you need to quickly and easily clean it. This will also help if, after downloading a whole bunch of unknown applications, a virus was installed. This can be done in several ways, without resorting to using any programs:
- Reset to factory settings
- Perform a hard reset
1. How to reset to factory settings on android
This method is quite simple and we recommend its use. To do this, you need to enter the “settings” menu. The choice then depends on android versions. For Android 4.x and higher “Restore and reset”. For more old Android 2.x – “Confidentiality”. In the available menu, select “Reset settings” with one click.
Reset example on version 5 of Android
After this, the system will notify you again that all data, as well as linked profiles, will be deleted from the phone. You need to confirm the action by clicking “Reset phone settings”. After rebooting the phone, Android will be completely cleaned. That's how simple and fast it is, unlike the next method.
2. How to reset settings on Android (hard reset)
Attention use this method may cause the Android system to malfunction. Use only if the first one does not help.
This method of cleaning Android is really effective when, after installing the application, a message appears about paid unlocking of the device or you forgot the pattern key.
First, you need to fully charge and then turn off the phone. Next, you need to enter the “Recovery” mode. You need to press and hold a certain key combination. Each manufacturer has its own set of keys. We will give the most common options and look at an example Samsung phone Galaxy.
- Volume up (or down) key + power key
- Both volume keys (up + down) + power key
- Volume up (or down) key + home key + power key
You must keep them pressed until it lights up dark screen with text in the top left. This is the “Recovery” menu. You can move around it using the up and down keys, and select the power button.
Move down to the item “wipe data / factory reset» Confirm by pressing the power key. On the next screen, confirm the choice “Yes – delete all user data” in the same way. The procedure for cleaning the phone and returning to factory settings will begin. You will return to the initial menu, where you will need to select the “Reboot system” item to reboot the phone.
We hope the material on completely cleaning Android devices was useful to you. If you have questions, you can ask them in the comments.
Android OS, like any other operating system, gradually becomes clogged with unnecessary files during operation. As a result, the flash drive loses free place, and the device's performance gradually deteriorates. We described in detail how to clean your Android phone from accumulated garbage in this article.
Where do unnecessary files come from?
Before you start cleaning your phone, it’s worth explaining the nature of the appearance unnecessary files.
During operation, applications create temporary files - caches. The next time you start it, the program accesses the cache to load some data. If there is no data, the information is downloaded from the network. For example, to prevent regular downloading of pictures from social network clients or instant messengers, contact pictures are saved in a cache. In the future, these files will be used to speed up the launch of the application and save Internet traffic.
It turns out the cache executes useful features, but only partially. When dozens of applications create temporary files, it negatively affects the overall performance of the device. After all, the system has to take into account the additional amount of information generated. In addition, after deleting applications, cache remnants and empty folders remain on the flash drive. Such files are of no use; therefore, they only uselessly take up space and reduce the speed of the mobile device.
What happens if you clear the cache
The first time you run it after clearing a cache, such as the browser cache, the program will re-download frequently used files into the cache. Therefore, there is no need to worry about losing personal information.
Ways to clear temporary and residual cache files
There are two ways to delete cache: manual and automatic. In the first case, the cache is deleted manually for each application. In the second, a special application is used to clean the phone.
Manual cleaning
To remove excess junk from your phone, you need to:
- Go to the device settings section (lower the curtain and press the gear).
- Next, click on “applications”. A list of installed programs will appear in a new window.
- Next, you need to open each application one by one and click on the “Clear cache” button. In this case, it is important not to touch the “Erase data” button, since instead of deleting unnecessary files, the settings will be cleared and user information. In simple words the application will return to the initial state as after installation.
The manual method allows you to clear the cache of one or all applications at any time, and get rid of unnecessary files that occupy the internal memory. Does not require internet or installation third party applications. However, the routine process will take some time.
To clean up residual files remote programs, you should use a file manager. Go to the internal storage section, find and clean the folder of the previously deleted application.
Automatic phone cleaning
IN in this case, clear internal memory help free programs:r, SD Maid, etc. The listed software works on any device and any version of Android OS, and you can download the programs from the link or google play. The visual component and operating principle are the same, the only differences are in the additional capabilities.
Procedure:
- Launch the application and select the item: “clean up garbage” or “clear cache”.
- After scanning, mark unnecessary data.
- Wait for the process of clearing temporary files to complete.
It is worth noting that among other application functions the following are available: search for duplicates; deleting call log data, SMS, empty folders and clipboard. In addition, there are tools to clear browser history, RAM, and delete unnecessary files from the internal storage and SD cards. In some cases, they allow you to remove viruses, speed up work in applications, and, if you have root rights, get rid of unnecessary system applications.
Automatic cleaning allows you to quickly free up RAM, get rid of cache, unnecessary files and unused applications. Significantly saves the user's time and effort. Eliminates the need to search for residual files after uninstalling applications. At the same time, cleaning programs are crammed with advertising and offer free downloads of unnecessary third-party software.
Conclusion
Periodically clean your phone from residual files, cache and unnecessary processes will benefit your smartphone or tablet. Cleaning your Android phone of debris is necessary for better performance and freeing up additional space on the internal storage. Use manual method cleaning if you need to delete the cache of a specific application. If there are a lot of programs, use one of the utilities for automatic deletion cache.
One of the weak points of the Android OS is system memory, especially if specifications devices exclude the possibility of adding it. The situation is further complicated by the fact that over time all sorts of installation modules and files accumulate, which significantly affects the speed of the gadget. Therefore, many users begin to wonder how to free system memory on Android?
There are several 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 via built-in conductor
Memory full? You can use a special conductor that is in the device itself (the name may vary in different devices):
Open the utility, select the category that needs cleaning. These could be applications or documents, archives or images, videos or music. At the top, find the pencil image (edit) and click on it:
The contents of the folder of the selected category will appear in the window that opens; mark unnecessary files. Delete them by clicking on the trash can icon:
Cleaning with Clean Master
The next method is to use the Clean Master utility, which is considered one of the most popular, significantly speeding up work mobile devices. Applications running on the device not only eat up memory, but also battery power. The new task killer implemented in the program will be able to terminate 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 operating algorithm is quite simple:
Launch Clean Master - a window with two circles opens, where the larger one characterizes the system memory, and the smaller one characterizes the RAM:
Select “Memory” (maybe “Device” or something else) - the scanning process starts. As a result of the check, it becomes clear what exactly will help free up 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 “Space Free” message will pop up.
Cleaning using 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”.
Transferring apps to an SD card
There are situations when memory has disappeared somewhere, although the user has not yet installed 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) you want to move.
- Transfer it to the memory card by selecting the appropriate button.
Unfortunately, this method is only suitable for those programs that are not system ones.
Saving data to external storage
Among the installed applications, there will probably be those that save data received from the network on the device. The simplest example is e-readers and online players. To prevent the internal memory of your phone (tablet) from becoming full, you need to configure them in such a way that all data is written to an external card.
Using cloud services
The modern user has no need to store information on Android that may never be useful. You need to remember only what is important at the moment. All other data can be safely uploaded to cloud storage, where they will wait in the wings.
As you can see from our material, even not the most advanced user can optimize his “Andryukha”. Well, for clarity of the procedure - video
Recently, all kinds of gadgets have become an integral part of the lives of many modern people. Most owners of smartphones and tablets with operating system Android sooner or later faces the problem of running out of memory. In budget models, its volume is, as a rule, no more than four gigabytes, but it should be taken into account that at least a quarter is occupied by the operating system itself.
All modern games, as well as high-quality photographs, music and films, require increasing amounts of available memory. So, at some point the user simply will not be able to install the necessary application or download the necessary data. Absence free space also negatively affects the speed of the device itself. So, how to free up internal memory on Android? You can move files to external media and optimize the performance of your smartphone.
What fills the empty space?
When figuring out how to free up the internal memory of an Android phone, you should pay attention to several points. Certain methods may be effective in some cases, but completely inappropriate in others.
Before you free up internal memory on Android, you need to understand where the data filling the device comes from. Here are some of the most common options:
- saving photos, music and videos;
- data used in social media sharing;
- audio from a voice recorder;
- data downloaded via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi;
- applications from Play Store, located in the device memory.
How to prevent files from being saved to the device memory?
To prevent the problem from recurring from time to time in the future, you need to redirect the download of files from the device memory to other media. For example, to a memory card (SD card). To do this, you should change the save path settings in the settings of some applications:
- camera options;
- voice recorder options;
- Browser download space;
- location of cached files from applications;
- regulation of messengers;
- regulation of bootloader programs;
- regulation of GPS navigation maps.
In all the above settings, the path to specific folder(or several folders: separately for music, videos, pictures and files), which is located on the memory card.
How to move data?
It is better to move files from the device memory to a memory card in similar folders. If there are none, you can create them using any file manager, which is downloaded from the Play Store, or by connecting the device to the computer via a cable. Moving to places with similar standard names will avoid unnecessary confusion. Folders usually have the following names:
- Bluetooth;
- DCIM;
- download;
- media;
- movies;
- music;
- video;
- sounds.
Transferring files, as well as creating new folders, can be done in two ways: directly by the functions of the device itself or using a computer. You should not transfer data whose purpose is in doubt. Moving program files can cause device malfunctions, so you should be aware of this before freeing up space on Android's internal memory.
How to transfer files directly to the device?
To transfer pictures, music and videos directly to the device, it is better to use a file manager. The ES conductor is simple and reliable to use. The main function of the manager is precisely to work with folders and files. This file manager is very lightweight, does not take up the already small amount of memory, and is convenient.
To transfer the necessary data, you need to select it with one long press. When choosing the “move” action, click on “SD-card”. The advantage of this file manager is that the menu allows you to immediately create new folders for transferring files.
How to transfer files using a computer?
In order to clear the internal memory of Android using a computer, you need to connect the device to it using a USB cable. To ensure the ability to manage data on a smartphone or tablet, specialized programs and drivers must be installed on the PC. As a rule, such software is installed automatically, but you need to wait a little while the computer determines the type of device and finds the appropriate drivers on the network.
Problems that arise when transferring files using a PC are easily resolved free service AirDroid, which provides the ability to work with the device at a distance by connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Firstly, this is good because you don’t need to install any additional programs or drivers to recognize your smartphone or tablet. Secondly, this service Provides connection between devices over a distance longer than a cable.
And yet, how to free up system memory on Android via a computer using this method? Everything is very simple here - data management is possible through any browser.
How to move apps to SD card?
How to free up internal memory on Android to unload devices? Let us note right away: this is not an easy task. The reason is that in order to carry out this operation for applications, as a rule, you need to have special rights, namely administrator rights, which will allow you to fully manage all files.
You can obtain administrator status by installing an additional software or changing smartphone settings. In the latter case, everything is much simpler. Devices whose settings can be set to “developer mode” allow you to perform many actions that are not available ordinary users, for example, install a fake localization.
If administrator access is already enabled, you should next install the Link2Sd application. It allows you to transfer both installed additional and standard applications from the device memory to the memory card. But here you need to remember that such actions can lead to malfunctions of the device.
Without administrator rights, you can only move some applications. This action can be performed in the device settings. But the standard method is not very convenient, and if you don’t want to change the settings, it’s better to download Android app Assistant.
Android Assistant consists of eighteen tools for versatile work with Android. Directly transferring applications is carried out as follows: open the program, go to the “Toolkit” section and select “App2Sd”. A list of applications that can be transferred will open.
Also using this application you can perform a comprehensive removal, which will help optimize and increase the speed of the device.
How to clean your device from unnecessary debris?
By following the above steps, you can make significant progress in the process of clearing your memory. Once you have set the correct settings, you most likely will not have to do all the steps again from time to time. But you will have to use information on how to free up internal memory on Android by removing garbage often. So, by installing a special application (for example, Clean Master), you can make the cleaning process quick and easy.
The so-called garbage in the device, which occurs through the accumulation of cached data from the Internet, browser history, and applications, is a very common phenomenon. Periodic cleaning allows you to increase the free space on your device and speed up all actions.
If we look at cleaning a device from debris using the example of the most optimal and convenient program Clean Master, then there will be no difficulties in using it. You just need to select the “garbage” option and click “clean”. The application, conducting an in-depth analysis, makes sure to specify which files should not be deleted.
How to store files on the Internet?
To free up internal memory on Android 4.2, you can use so-called cloud storage. They allow you not only to store files, but also to open them using various devices. Having installed an application of this type on a smartphone, to gain access to the data you will only need to register (when you turn it on for the first time), and then enter your username and password in the future.
Constant access to the Internet is also important when working with cloud storage, because the data is stored in “virtual memory”. Among the most successful cloud storages are Google Drive, Mega storage, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox.
How to completely clean the device?
To radically clear the device memory, you need to do complete removal all data. The action is performed using the “Format” option. As a rule, this item is located in the device settings in the “” tab. Backup and data reset." After confirming the user’s intentions and deleting the data, the device will reboot and take on its original appearance, that is, the smartphone will be missing everything that was installed and downloaded after purchase.
In general, the instruction “How to free up memory on Android” includes several steps, some of which are interchangeable. Consistent execution of various types of actions will lead to an increase in free space, which certainly entails optimization of the device.
The speed of a phone or tablet directly depends on how full its memory is. In this case, we are talking about all its types. And if you clean the memory in a timely and correct manner, then the device will Android based The OS will work much faster and more stable.
Different types of Android device memory
On every Android device Several types of memory are used for different purposes. It is important to be able to distinguish between them in order to understand what is at stake when cleaning memory and optimizing the device. The following types of memory are distinguished:
- device RAM (RAM - Random Access Memory) - used to store temporary files of those applications and programs that are running on this moment. The stability and speed of the device depends on it. If there is insufficient RAM, bugs and other failures appear. But this drawback occurs either when starting too large number applications, or due to poor “unloading” of temporary files from RAM;
- permanent device memory (ROM - Read Only Memory) - contains the system files of the device, including operating system files. It differs from others in that it always stores files, even if the phone or tablet is turned off. Moreover, without using special programs they cannot be deleted or changed. And you shouldn’t do this, because changing the permanent memory can damage the device. In a normal situation, ROM cannot be changed, and as a result, you are not in danger of filling it;
- The internal memory of the device (Internal Phone Storage) - can be used to store any information. This is where applications are installed, messages and photos are saved. The information in this memory can be permanently erased or overwritten. Its cloggedness does not have a serious impact on performance, but it still needs to be cleaned from time to time, since many installed applications that are not used can still consume device resources in the background;
- external memory of the device - this includes various memory cards. They can add some memory to your device, and you, in turn, can transfer it to them. installed applications and files. Thus, they are used to free up internal memory and expand the possible storage capacity for files.
Show free memory on Android device
To find out whether you need to clear the memory on your device, you need to see how much of it is currently occupied. RAM can be viewed as follows:
It is also not difficult to find out permanent memory:
Clearing Android Device Memory
It is simply necessary to clear your memory from time to time. This contributes to stable operation of the device and increased performance. And there are different methods for cleaning.
Cleaning device memory using built-in features
You can clear the device memory by standard means, for example, through the “Application Manager”:
- Open your device settings. Find “Application Manager” in them.
Open Application Manager in Settings - On some devices this item will simply be called “Applications”.
Sometimes the section may simply be called “Applications” - In the list of applications installed on your device, select the one you do not use and want to remove. Click on it.
Select the app to uninstall from Application Manager - Before uninstalling, clear app data from your device. To do this, go to the “Memory” item.
Go to "Memory" to clear application data - Clear application data. This will free up space from settings files and saved application data. If you do not do this or there is no such option, the application can still be deleted. Return to the previous menu.
Click "Clear data" under "Storage" - Remove the application itself by clicking on the corresponding button.
Click the "Delete" button to remove the application from your device
There are some things to consider when deleting applications:
Video: Completely clearing the memory of an Android device
Clear Android device memory using a computer
Another way to clean the internal or external memory associated with connecting the device to the computer. In this case, you will have several options for cleaning:
- You can see all the files and folders of the device if you connect the device to your computer as a drive. Using Explorer, delete unnecessary data, such as photos or videos;
- Can be cleaned nearby various programs. For example, specify the device drive to be scanned by CCleaner or antivirus systems. This will also help get rid of temporary files or malicious applications on the system;
- can be used for cleaning special applications for working with Android devices. For example, Android Commander. It will allow you to delete not only files, but also applications.
Clearing memory through Explorer
After connecting the device as a drive, you can get confused in the various folders and names. You should be extremely careful, as accidental deletion system files may cause damage to the device. To free up your device’s internal memory as much as possible in this way, do the following:
USB debugging allows you to prepare the device to work with programs and access files on it. And now you can start deleting the contents of the following folders:
- dsim - stores all the photos taken on the phone. They can take up a lot of space;
- downloads - it contains files of any type downloaded from the Internet;
- movies - by default used to store videos;
- music - as the name implies, it contains music files;
- pictures - images that are downloaded to the device go here;
- media - stores any media files.
Other folders should not be touched. They do not take up much space and can contain the files necessary for the device to operate.
Cleaning Android memory using special programs
Trying to clean the RAM of a phone or tablet manually is ineffective. Yes, you can try to clear the cache or restart the device, but it is better to install special applications for this. In addition, many such programs also help clear internal and external memory.
A very compact application that performs its basic functions well. This application is capable of:
Using this utility to speed up your device is very simple:
Such cleaning is completely safe and does not require any other action from the user.
An application that will take care of the protection and speed of your phone or tablet running Android system OS. It is capable of:
This program has a special mode to speed up games. To use it, do the following:
This application has a number of additional functions. They are optional, but may be useful:
To clear memory with this application, do the following:
The application from a well-known antivirus manufacturer has two versions: a lightweight version with reduced functionality and a regular version, where many features are available. It allows the user:
At the same time, the application has a convenient and simple interface, intuitive for every user.
To clear memory using 360 Security, do the following:
Clean effectively with CCleaner app
Most memory cleaning apps are very easy to use. It is enough to learn how to work in one, and there will be no problems with the rest. The CCleaner app for Android OS is great for this. After installing it on your device, do the following:
Almost all cleaning apps work in a similar way, and some will even do it at the touch of a button.
Resetting your phone to factory settings as a cleaning method
There is another method that allows you to clear the device’s memory and significantly speed up its operation. This is resetting your phone or tablet to factory settings.
Resetting your phone to factory settings will delete all files and data on the device. This action will help free up memory as much as possible and may be the only way out in case of errors or serious lack of space on the device.
To reset your device, do the following:
Video: Resetting your phone to factory settings
Increasing device memory
There are several ways to increase the available amount of permanent memory.