Why does my phone show storage full even though I have deleted many files? (2024)

FAQs

Why does my phone show storage full even though I have deleted many files? ›

Given that you've already removed a lot of content and the problem remains, it might be useful to look into system files that can sometimes take up unexpected amounts of space. Cleaning cache files or redundant data through a trusted phone maintenance app could help.

Your storage might actually be occupied by your operating system, so you may need to uninstall some apps to make more room. If this doesn't work, you can also use a cleaner app to free up some space on your phone.

The reason for this is simpler than you might think: “deleted” files are actually just moved to Trash, where they continue to take up storage space. Google does it this way because it's a security measure that prevents users from accidentally deleting important files.

Messages and attachments: Don't forget about the photos and videos you've received in messages. These can use up a lot of space, even if you've cleared out your photo album. Unused apps and hidden data: Apps that you don't use much can still store data on your phone.

Why is my hard drive still full after deleting files? Available disk space does not increase after deleting files. When a file is deleted, the space used on the disk is not reclaimed until the file is truly erased. The trash (recycle bin on Windows) is actually a hidden folder located in each hard drive.

In general, the lack of working space is probably the main reason why you have insufficient storage available. Usually, an Android app uses three sets of storage, for the app itself, the app's data files, and the app's cache. Usually, the application cache takes up a large part of the space.

Cached Data: Sometimes, apps store temporary data or cache files on your phone's internal storage. Even if you delete files, these cached data may still occupy space. Clearing the cache of specific apps or using a cache cleaner app can help free up storage.

Check what is taking up the most storage space

Emptying the Recycle Bin may not immediately free up space. The system needs time to reclaim unused space from deleted shared folders. If there is still insufficient storage afterward, other snapshots or file clones might be taking up the available space.

If you encounter issues with your phone, it could be due to various reasons such as system caches, temporary files, or even corrupted data. To fix this problem, try clearing caches and unnecessary files, restarting your phone, or updating your operating system.

One of the easiest ways to clean up files you no longer need is by using Disk Cleanup. Open Disk Cleanup by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Disk Cleanup, and then, in the list of results, select Disk Cleanup. If prompted, select the drive that you want to clean up, and then select OK.

Does deleting recently deleted free up storage? ›

Step 6: Empty Recently Deleted Album

Deleted photos are moved to the “Recently Deleted” album, where they remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. To free up space immediately, open the “Recently Deleted” album and tap on “Select” in the top-right corner.

Note that photos and videos in your Trash still count towards storage space until these items are permanently deleted.

If you have turned on iCloud backup and the iCloud storage is full, you will see iPhone storage full message on your phone, even if there is nothing on your local iPhone or you have deleted some large documents just now. To solve this problem, one valid way is to delete iPhone backup.

Use the right-click menu. Here's how to permanently delete files through the right-click context menu: Select the file or folder you want to permanently delete, right-click it, and choose Delete. Then, right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.

When your Android internal storage is full (or nearly full), you need to delete data to clear storage space. Clearing cached temporary files, videos, photos, and audio files frees up space in your Android's storage. You should also manage your apps and restrict background data usage to those apps you use most often.

Go to Settings, then tap General Management and Reset. (If you don't have this option on your Android, open Settings, search for “factory reset”, and tap it.) Tap Factory data reset, then Reset (or Erase all data).