Deleting files is an essential part of maintaining your Android device’s storage capacity. If you often use your Android device for videos, photos, and other activities that require large files, you might find yourself struggling with the device’s storage. In such cases, you must know how to delete large files on Android. Deleting the files will not only free up space but can also help improve the device’s performance.
In this article, we will discuss several methods of deleting large files on Android. We will also provide you with tips for handling any issues that might occur during the process.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Delete Large Files on Android
Clearing up storage space on your Android device is not just about deleting files. It is about freeing up the RAM, ensuring that the Device runs smoothly. Deleting large files can also help identify any files that are corrupted and may be causing problems with the device. Freeing up space will also allow you to install new apps and take more pictures and videos without worrying about storage space. In addition, deleting large files will also prevent your device from slowing down, crashing, or lagging at crucial moments.
Method 1: Use Device’s Built-in Management System
The first method for deleting large files is a straightforward one; you can make use of the device’s built-in management system to do it. The system will help you identify large files on the device that can be deleted to free up desired storage space.
Steps to Delete Large Files Using Device’s Built-in Management System :
1. Open your device’s settings app
2. Tap on "Storage" or "Storage & Memory."
3. You’ll see which types of data are taking up the most space e.g., apps, photos, videos, audio, downloads, etc.
4. Tap on the data type which contains the large files you want to delete.
5. Choose the files you want to delete by tapping on them.
6. Tap on “Delete” button or “Trash” icon, depending on the device’s interface.
Pros:
– Fast and convenient
– No need for third-party software
– Easy to execute
– Built-in management system on the device
– Most Android devices come with this feature
Cons:
– May not delete all the files
– Limited functionality
Method 2: Use File Manager App
You can also make use of a file manager app to delete large files from your Android device. There are several third-party file manager apps that you can download, each with its own unique interface and features.
Steps to Delete Large Files Using File Manager App:
1. Download and Install any File Manager App from google play store
2. Open the app and locate the “Internal Storage” option.
3. Go to “Downloads,” “Pictures,” or any other folder where you have stored large files.
4. Locate the files you want to delete and long-press them.
5. Click on the “Delete” option on the screen.
Pros:
– A higher chance of deleting all files
– Can delete all files in one-go
– Offers more extensive functionality than Android’s built-in management system
Cons:
– Some file manager apps may require payment for advanced features
– Some Apps may have compatibility issues with some Android devices.
Method 3: Use DiskUsage App
DiskUsage is another popular app that people use to delete large files on their Android devices. The app provides you with a tree-view indicating which files and folders are taking up most of the device’s storage space. It helps you locate and delete large files with ease.
Steps to Delete Large Files Using DiskUsage App:
1. Download and install the DiskUsage App from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the App, and choose a folder to scan.
3. The app will show a colored view of the folder that indicates the size of all files and subfolders
4. Zoom in to view the files taking up the most space by tapping on the colored blocks.
5. Long-press the file to select it
6. Click on “Delete” or “Trash” icon to get rid of the file.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– It’s free
– A comprehensive and intuitive view of storage usage
Cons:
– Some users may find the interface overly simplistic
– Less efficient than third-party file management apps
What to Do If You Can’t Delete Large Files on Android
If for some reason, you are unable to delete large files on your Android device, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to try deleting the files in Safe Mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that helps to troubleshoot device issues caused by third-party apps. Here are the steps:
1. Press and hold the power button until "Power off" shows
2. Tap and hold the power off icon on your screen
3. Your device will enter safe mode (safe mode is usually displayed on the bottom left of your screen).
4. Head back to the place where you couldn’t delete the files and try again.
If deleting your files in Safe Mode doesn’t work, you could try deleting them using a PC or third-party software. Keep in mind that removing large files through a PC can be risky if you don’t know what you are doing. In these circumstances, it may be wise to consult with an IT professional or service provider.
Bonus Tip
Clearing up storage space on your Android device is essential, but it’s only half the story. To free up even more space, try uploading your files to Cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, among others.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why is clearing storage on my Android device important?
A: Clearing your Android device’s storage helps it to run smoothly, allows you to take more pictures and videos, and prevents slow down and crashing.
Q2: Can I recover files that I accidentally deleted?
A: Yes, but you must use third-party software and act quickly before the file is overwritten.
Q3: Can I use disk usage to delete large files from an SD card?
A: Yes, any folder on your phone, including those on an SD card, can be scanned and analyzed by Disk Usage.
Q4: Is it safe to delete large files using my device’s built-in management system?
A: Yes, it is safe. The device’s management system is provided for this purpose.
Q5: Does deleting large files speed up my Android device?
A: Yes, by freeing up storage space, your device will run smoother, increasing its speed.
Final Thoughts
Deleting large files on Android helps to free up space and improve the device’s overall performance. By choosing any of the methods described in this blog, you will be able to manage your device’s storage more effectively. We recommend trying each method to see which one best suits your needs.