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How to Free Up Space on Samsung Without Deleting Apps

Written by

Liam Smith

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Running low on storage is one of the most common headaches Samsung Galaxy users face. It can slow down your phone and stop you from downloading new apps or files. The good news? You don’t have to delete your favorite apps to reclaim space. By targeting media, cached data, downloads, and unnecessary files, you can free up a surprising amount of storage. Here’s how.

Why Your Samsung Phone Runs Out of Space

Even if your phone has decent storage, it fills up fast because of:

  • High-resolution photos and videos: Especially 4K videos that eat tons of space.
  • App data and cache: Apps build up temporary files and data over time.
  • Downloads: Files saved from browsers, chats, and emails.
  • System files and updates: Android and Samsung updates take space too.

How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Apps

Focus on these areas to clear storage while keeping your apps intact.

Method 1: Clear App Cache

Cache files help apps run faster but can pile up. Clearing cache is safe—it won’t delete your personal data or logins.

  1. Open Settings > Apps.
  2. Select an app (big ones like Chrome, Instagram, or Spotify tend to cache a lot).
  3. Tap Storage > Clear cache.
  4. Repeat for other apps as needed.

Pro Tip: You can clear cache for all apps at once via Settings > Device care > Storage > Clean now under Temporary files—but targeting big caches individually often helps more.

Method 2: Move Photos and Videos to SD Card or Cloud

Media usually takes the most space.

  1. Move to SD Card:
  1. Insert and format your SD card as portable storage.
  2. Open My Files > Internal storage.
  3. Navigate to folders like DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.
  4. Select files or folders > tap Move > choose your SD card > Move here.
  5. Set your Camera app to save future photos/videos to the SD card in its settings.
  1. Use Cloud Storage:
  • Google Photos: Enable Backup & sync, then use Free up space to delete local copies after backup.
  • Samsung Cloud: Sync photos via Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud, then manually delete from Gallery after confirming backup.
  • OneDrive: Use Microsoft’s app with camera upload enabled, then delete local files once uploaded.

Method 3: Clear Downloaded Files

Downloads often get forgotten but can pile up quickly.

  1. Open My Files > Downloads.
  2. Review and delete unwanted files.
  3. Also check other folders like Documents for clutter.

Method 4: Delete Unused APK Files

If you sideload apps, APK files might still be lurking.

  1. Open My Files > Installation files or APKs.
  2. Delete any APKs you no longer need.

Method 5: Clear Messaging App Storage

Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram store lots of media outside chats.

  1. Open My Files > Internal storage > find WhatsApp or Telegram folders.
  2. Go to Media subfolders and delete old images, videos, audio.
  3. Use in-app storage managers (e.g., WhatsApp’s Settings > Storage and Data > Manage storage) to clear large files.

Method 6: Use Device Care to Optimize Storage

Samsung’s Device Care gives an overview and cleaning options.

  1. Go to Settings > Device care > Storage.
  2. Tap Clean now to remove temporary files and recycle bin items.
  3. Check sections like “Similar images,” “Large files,” and “Unused apps” for quick cleanup ideas.

Method 7: Disable or Sleep Unused Apps

If you can’t delete pre-installed apps or want to save resources:

  • Disable apps:
    Settings > Apps > select app > tap Disable if available.
  • Put apps to sleep:
    Settings > Device care > Battery > Background usage limits > enable Put unused apps to sleep and add apps to Deep sleeping apps for stronger restrictions.

By regularly using these methods, you can clear space on your Samsung Galaxy without losing apps, keeping your device running smoothly and ready for new content.

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