Free up space

To download more apps and media, or to help your phone run better, you can clear space on your phone.

Storage is where you keep data, like music and photos.
Memory is where you run programs, like apps and the Android system.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

The Pixel battery continuously learns your behaviours and optimises itself based on your most recent app usage. When you set up a new device or after a factory reset, optimisation may take up to a few weeks to take full effect. For best results keep Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimisation on.

It's normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual after a software update. This is because the phone is working hard to download and optimise the new software and get everything up and running.

If you still experience unusual battery drain after a few days, please let us know and we'll be happy to help.

Free up storage

Remove photos

If you back up with Google Photos, you can delete the copies on your phone or tablet. You can find the backed up copies in the app when your device is connected to the Internet. Learn how to delete photos and videos from your device.

Remove downloaded movies, music and other media

To delete content from Google Play:

Open the Google Play app with the content, like Play Music or Play Movies & TV.
Tap the Menu Settings Manage downloads.
Tap Downloaded Remove.

To delete content from other sources, delete from the app that you used to download it.

Remove apps and app data

Close apps that don't respond

You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, you can try to close or force stop the app. Learn how to troubleshoot apps that aren't working.

Uninstall apps that you don't use

If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. You don't have to buy the app again if you paid for it. Learn how to uninstall apps.

Clear the app's cache and data

You can usually clear an app’s cache and data through your phone’s Settings app. Settings can vary by phone. For more info, get help from your device manufacturer.

Clear cache: Deletes temporary data. Some apps may be slow the next time that you open them.
Clear storage: Permanently deletes all app data. Try to delete the data within the app first.

Automatically archive apps to free up space

Your device can automatically archive apps that you don’t use often to free up space for new apps. When this setting is on, the apps that you don’t often use will be removed, but your personal data on the app will be saved. The app’s icon will remain on your device. You'll be able to download the app again, as long as it's available on Google Play.

If you try to install an app but don’t have enough space, you’re notified to automatically archive apps. To set how your device automatically archives apps:

Open the Play Store app .
Go to Settings General.
Turn on or off Automatically archive apps.

Delete or move files

Delete downloaded files

To save space, you can delete downloaded files that you don't need.

Copy files to a computer

You can move files and folders to a computer with a USB cable and then delete them from your phone or tablet. Learn how to transfer files between your phone and computer.

Check and free up memory

You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, you can try to close or force stop the app. Learn how to troubleshoot apps that aren't working.

Tip: If you think that an app is using too much memory, you can delete the app. Learn how to uninstall apps.