Quick Summary
The "Storage space running out" error on Android indicates that your device's internal storage is nearly or completely full. This means you cannot save new files, install apps, or even receive updates until you free up some space.
Common Causes
- Too Many Apps Installed: Each app, including the app data and cache, takes up space on your device. Over time, installing numerous apps can quickly fill up your storage.
- Large Media Files (Photos, Videos, Music): High-resolution photos, videos, and large music files consume significant storage space. Frequently downloading or creating these files without regular cleaning can lead to storage issues.
- App Cache and Data Accumulation: Many apps store temporary data (cache) and user data. While cache is intended to improve performance, it can accumulate over time and consume a substantial amount of storage. App data for large apps can also take a significant amount of storage space.
- Downloaded Files and Documents: Downloaded files, documents, and other miscellaneous files can be unintentionally saved and forgotten about, contributing to storage overcrowding.
- System Updates: Although necessary, Android system updates can temporarily consume storage space during download and installation. In some cases, remnants of older updates may also remain taking up storage.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Uninstall Unused Apps
Step 1: Go to your phone's Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to "Apps" or "Application Manager" (the exact wording may vary depending on your Android version and device).
Step 3: Review the list of installed apps and identify the ones you no longer use or rarely use.
Step 4: Tap on an app you want to uninstall.
Step 5: Tap the "Uninstall" button and confirm your choice.
Step 6: Repeat this process for all unused apps.
Method 2: Clear App Cache and Data
Step 1: Go to your phone's Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to "Apps" or "Application Manager".
Step 3: Select the app for which you want to clear the cache and data.
Step 4: Tap on "Storage".
Step 5: First tap "Clear Cache". Check if this frees enough space. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 6: If needed, tap on "Clear Data". Keep in mind that this will delete the app's saved data, such as login information and settings. Only use this option if clearing the cache isn't enough.
Step 7: Repeat for other apps as needed.
Method 3: Move Media Files to External Storage (SD Card) or Cloud
Step 1: If your phone has an SD card slot, insert an SD card.
Step 2: Go to your phone's file manager app (e.g., Files, File Manager, or similar).
Step 3: Navigate to the folder containing your photos, videos, and music (usually the DCIM folder for photos and videos, and the Music folder for music).
Step 4: Select the files you want to move.
Step 5: Choose the "Move" or "Cut" option.
Step 6: Navigate to the SD card or a cloud storage folder (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
Step 7: Paste the files into the SD card or cloud folder.
Step 8: Delete the original files from your phone's internal storage to free up space, once you verify that the transfer worked.
Method 4: Remove Downloaded Files
Step 1: Open your phone's file manager app.
Step 2: Locate the "Downloads" folder.
Step 3: Review the list of downloaded files and identify any files you no longer need.
Step 4: Select the files you want to delete.
Step 5: Tap the "Delete" button and confirm your choice.
Step 6: Empty the "Recycle Bin" or "Trash" if your file manager has one.
Method 5: Use a Storage Analysis Tool
Step 1: Download and install a storage analyzer app from the Google Play Store (e.g., DiskUsage, Files by Google).
Step 2: Open the app and grant it necessary permissions.
Step 3: The app will scan and display a breakdown of your storage usage, showing which files and folders are taking up the most space.
Step 4: Use this information to identify and delete large, unnecessary files.