Free up app storage

Free up Google Files storage

Google Files (the Files by Google app on Android) finds junk, leftover installers, and large user files on this phone. Clear cache and Junk files are safe leftovers. Large files are often your own videos and downloads. Check before you delete those.

See how much space the phone is using

1. Open Files (Files by Google).
2. Look at the storage bar on the Clean tab.

You can also open phone Settings > Apps > Files > Storage. That is only the Files app. The Clean tab is storage for the whole device.

Clean Junk files

1. Open Files and stay on Clean.
2. Tap Junk files.
3. Review the list (leftover install files, thumbnails, and similar junk).
4. Tap Clean / Confirm.

Junk is residual data, not your Camera folder. This is the first pass.

Clear cache

1. On the Clean tab, tap Clear cache if it is listed as its own card.
2. Select apps whose cache you are willing to drop, then confirm.

Cache is temporary. Apps rebuild it. This does not delete photos, downloads, or WhatsApp media.

Review Large files before deleting

1. On Clean, tap Large files.
2. Sort from largest.
3. Open a file if you are not sure what it is.
4. Select only files you do not need, then delete.

Large files are user files: screen recordings, downloaded videos, ZIP backups, APKs. Deleting them is permanent after you confirm (some devices keep a short Trash). Do not delete the only copy of a photo or document that is not backed up.

Downloads and Browse

1. Tap Browse.
2. Open Downloads, Videos, and Documents.
3. Delete duplicates and old installers.

Duplicate files and unused apps

Clean may also offer Duplicate files and Unused apps. Duplicates are extra copies of user files. Confirm they are copies before you remove them. Unused apps uninstall the app; that is not a cache clear.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Files still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. Google Files is a cleaner, not a cloud locker. Copy anything in Downloads or Documents that is not already in Drive, Photos, or another backup. Reinstalling Files does not restore deleted user files.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Files again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Google Files is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.