Running out of storage always seems to happen at the worst moment—right before a trip, a video shoot, or an app update. On Android, space is often eaten by temporary files, chat media, and the catch-all “Other” category that looks impossible to shrink. Today we’ll break down what “Other” actually is, the fastest safe fixes, and a few power-user moves if you’re still stuck. The promise: real results in minutes, not hours.
What “Other” Storage Really Is (and Why It Bloats)
On many devices, “Other” (sometimes called System/Other) bundles cached data, temporary files, and system items that don’t fit neat categories. As Samsung explains, it includes system files, cached data, and temporary files—and you can’t delete it directly, but you can shrink it by clearing cache and unneeded app data.
Two quick realities to keep in mind:
- Storage vs. Memory (RAM): Storage holds your stuff (photos, videos, files). Memory runs apps. Don’t confuse RAM optimizers with storage cleaners.
- “Other” rebounds: It grows as you use apps; the goal is periodic cleanup, not a one-time purge.
Quick Wins: Use “Files by Google” to Clean Junk & Large Files
The fastest safe fix for most phones is Files by Google:
- Junk files cleanup: Open Files by Google → Clean → Junk files → Clear. This removes temp files and leftover app debris in a single tap.
- Hunt big space hogs: In Clean, use Delete large files to sort by size and send multi-GB videos/archives to trash.
- The app also offers personalized suggestions for duplicates, old chat media, and unused apps to free up space fast.
My take: Start here. It’s faster and safer than random “cleaner” apps, and it shows exactly what you’re deleting.
Clear App Cache the Right Way (Without Losing Data)
When an app’s cache explodes (browsers, social, maps), clear it per-app:
- Settings ▸ Apps ▸ (App name) ▸ Storage & cache ▸ Clear cache.
This removes temporary files without wiping your logins or settings. (General Android guidance.)
If you’re still low on space, you can Clear storage / Clear data for selected apps—but that resets the app (you’ll log in again and may lose offline media).
Advanced: Wipe the System Cache Partition (Device-Specific)
Some devices let you clear the system cache partition from Recovery mode (not the same as a factory reset). It can help after major OS updates or when “Other” refuses to shrink. Because steps vary by brand, follow official guidance and your device manual.
Quote: Google’s guidance notes that clearing the system cache is done from recovery mode via “Wipe cache partition.”
Tame Media & Chat App Bloat (Screenshots, WhatsApp, Downloads)
Large folders—Screenshots, Downloads, WhatsApp/Telegram media—quietly balloon over time. Use Files by Google clean-up cards for duplicates, screenshots, memes, and WhatsApp media, or browse by folder to bulk-delete.
Checklist (5 minutes):
- Downloads: Sort by size; delete installers and old PDFs.
- Screenshots: Bulk-remove in one go.
- Messaging apps: Clear old videos/voice notes from chat folders.
- Camera bursts/4K clips: Move keepers to cloud or external storage.
Reccomendation: Chat apps are the worst repeat offenders. Schedule a monthly 10-minute sweep; it yields GBs.
Offload to the Cloud (and Manage Your 15 GB Wisely)
Every Google Account includes 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. If device storage is your bottleneck, offloading media frees space instantly—and you can manage cloud storage with Google’s tools.
- Google Photos storage manager: Find blurry shots, screenshots, and large videos to delete or compress (Storage saver).
- Google One tools: Review what’s taking space and clean Gmail/Drive/Photos from one place; upgrade if needed.
- Pixel tip: On Pixel, Smart Storage can auto-remove backed-up photos/videos when you’re nearly full.
“Each Google Account includes 15 GB of storage, which is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.” — Google Support.
Conclusion
Freeing space on Android is less mystery, more method: clean junk with Files by Google, clear bloated caches responsibly, tackle chat media, and use cloud tools to keep local storage lean. The trick is repetition—small, regular cleanups prevent “Other” from growing out of control. What worked best for you—junk cleaning, cache resets, or cloud offload? Share your tips and your “GBs recovered” in the comments to help other readers.
