Clear Up Other Storage on Samsung Galaxy Phone and Optimize Storage Space
Is your Samsung phone constantly running out of storage space? Do you keep getting annoying low-storage warnings? If so, the culprit is likely the vague ‘Other' storage category.
This guide will find what's included in other storage on Samsung phones.
Decoding ‘Other' Storage
When you view the storage breakdown on your Galaxy phone, you'll notice system categories like photos, videos, audio, and documents.
But you'll also see a perplexing ‘Other' category occupying anywhere from a few megabytes to multiple gigabytes.
This other storage comprises:
- Temporary files from apps and system processes
- Cached data to speed up app loading
- Offline maps and navigation data
- Downloads from streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify
- Miscellaneous system resources
Over time, this digital flotsam and jetsam piles up, hogging your phone's storage capacity.
Warning Signs Your Other Storage Needs Clearing
How do you know your other storage is problematic? Here are key indicators:
- Getting persistent low storage warnings
- Unable to install apps or take photos/videos
- Apps crashing or freezing unexpectedly
- Sluggish phone performance
If you notice these, it's time to declutter your other storage.
Quick Fix: Use the Device Care Tool
Many Samsung phones have a built-in Device Care tool. Access it via Settings > Device Care > Storage.
Tap Clean Now to clear cached data and downloads taking up other storage. This instantly frees up space.
For more granular control, tap each app to delete unneeded downloads or wipe cache/data.
5 Surefire Ways to Vanquish Other Storage
Need to clear more stubborn other storage? Try these tactics:
1. Remove Unused Offline Content
Streaming apps like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix and navigation apps store offline content in other storage. Delete any unused downloads.
2. Uninstall Unused Apps
Uninstall little-used apps, including any bloatware came pre-installed. Also clear app cache/data before uninstalling.
3. Transfer Media to SD Card
If your phone supports SD cards, move photos, videos and music to external storage. This liberates internal storage space.
4. Factory Reset as Last Resort
If other storage persists, back up data and perform a factory reset. This completely erases other storage along with all content.
5. Use Storage Analyzer Apps
Specialty apps like Storage Analyzer provide granular visibility into which files occupy other storage. You can then selectively delete items.
Pro Tip: Regularly Prune Other Storage
Don't just clear other storage once. Add it your monthly device maintenance ritual.
Set reminders to check other storage levels and prune unnecessary temporary files, cached data, and unused offline content.
This prevents accumulation and keeps your phone's storage optimized. There's also a new feature called Maintenance mode in Samsung that helps protect your private information.
Reclaim Your Storage Freedom
Other storage on Samsung phones doesn't have to be a big mystery. Now you understand what's included in this category and have actionable steps to clean it out.
Regain control of your storage by regularly pruning other content. You'll prevent frustrating low storage warnings while boosting your phone's performance.
Most importantly, you'll reclaim the freedom to snap photos, download apps and enjoy your Samsung device without storage limitations.
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
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