How to free up iPhone and Android phone storage without deleting files
ome apps accumulate temporary data and downloads that can take up a significant amount of storage (collage: Styler)
When a phone's storage is almost full, the device may run more slowly, and there may not be enough space to install apps or updates. However, you can free up storage without deleting important documents, messages, or other personal files.
RBC-Ukraine explains how to safely clear storage on iPhone and Android devices and which data you should avoid deleting.
How to check what takes up most space on your phone
Before deleting any files, find out exactly what's using your storage. Sometimes, the problem isn't installed apps but downloaded videos, documents, or temporary data.
On iPhone:
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Open Settings.
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Go to General.
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Select iPhone Storage.
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Review the list of apps and how much storage each one uses.
This section may also offer recommendations for freeing up space. Tap an individual app for more information about its storage usage.
On Android:
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Open Settings.
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Find the Storage or Device storage section.
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Review the file and app categories.
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Identify which ones are taking up the most space.
These options may vary depending on the phone manufacturer and Android version.
How to clear app caches and not lose important files
A cache is temporary data apps store to load information faster. This can include image thumbnails or elements of pages you've already opened.
Over time, this data accumulates and can take up additional space.
On Android:
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Open Settings.
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Go to Apps.
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Select an app that takes up a lot of storage.
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Open Storage or Memory.
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Tap Clear cache.
This will delete temporary files. The app may take slightly longer to open the next time you use it because it will need to download some data again.
Important: Don't confuse the Clear cache and Clear data buttons. The latter may delete settings, local files, and login information.
On iPhone, there is no universal button to clear the cache for all apps. Methods for managing temporary files depend on the individual app.
How to free up iPhone storage without deleting app data
iPhone owners can use the Offload App feature.
It removes an app from the device while preserving its associated documents and data.
To do this:
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Open Settings.
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Go to General.
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Select iPhone Storage.
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Tap an app you rarely use.
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Select Offload App.
After offloading, the app icon remains on the Home Screen. You can reinstall it whenever you need it.
As Apple explains, offloading frees up the space the app uses while keeping its documents and data. By contrast, deleting an app also removes its associated information.
Before offloading important apps, make sure you can reinstall them and sign back into your account.
How to find unnecessary downloads and large files
Some storage may be taken up by files you've long forgotten, such as downloaded documents, archives, videos, audio recordings, or content saved for offline viewing.
On iPhone, you can check these files in the Files app.
Open Files, go to Browse, and check the Downloads folder. They may be stored in iCloud Drive or on your device's local storage.
On Android, you can use the built-in file manager or the Files by Google app.
According to Google, Files by Google can help you find large files, duplicates, downloads, and other items you may no longer need.
Before deleting anything, open the file and check its contents. This is especially important for PDFs, electronic tickets, contracts, and other documents you might need later.
If a file is important but you don't need it regularly, you can transfer it to a computer or cloud storage. Before deleting the original, make sure the copy opens correctly.
How to clear unnecessary browser data
Browsers also accumulate temporary files, browsing history, and website data.
On iPhone, Safari users can clear this data through Settings.
Open Settings, go to Apps, select Safari, and find the Clear History and Website Data option.
To remove website data while keeping your browsing history, open Safari's Advanced settings, select Website Data, and choose Remove All Website Data.
Apple's instructions say these options let you manage browsing history, cache, and cookies.
On Android, the available browser-cleaning options depend on the app. In Chrome, the relevant tools are available under Delete browsing data.
After clearing cookies, some websites may ask you to sign in again. Make sure you have access to your passwords and accounts before proceeding.
How to clear messaging app storage without losing conversations
Telegram, WhatsApp, and other messaging apps can accumulate large amounts of downloaded media.
This is especially noticeable if you're in many groups or regularly receive videos, documents, and voice messages.
In Telegram, open Settings, go to Data and Storage, and select Storage Usage.
Here, you can review the cache size and manage stored media files.
Clearing Telegram's cache generally doesn't delete messages from regular cloud chats, but it removes local copies of media files. You can download them again if they remain available in the chat.
However, this doesn't mean all messaging app data is automatically protected. Telegram Secret Chats are device-specific, and locally stored files may be lost.
In WhatsApp, check that you have an up-to-date chat backup before clearing data or reinstalling the app.
The safest approach is to delete unnecessary media using the messaging app's built-in tools rather than erasing all its data through your phone's settings.
What you should avoid when clearing storage
Some actions can free up much more space but may also delete important information.
First, avoid tapping Clear data in Android settings without checking what it will remove. This is different from clearing the cache and may erase local app information.
Also avoid reinstalling messaging apps, banking apps, or two-factor authentication apps without first checking how to restore access.
Cloud file synchronization also requires special attention.
For example, if you enable iCloud Photos on your iPhone, deleting an image in the Photos app may delete it from other devices connected to the same account.
To save space, Apple offers Optimize Storage, which keeps full-resolution originals in iCloud while smaller versions remain on your device.
Distinguish between backups and synchronization. If files are synced across devices, deleting them may remove them from every connected device.
How much free storage to keep on phone
Don't wait until your storage is completely full.
Apple recommends keeping at least 1 GB of free space on your iPhone to help prevent slowdowns.
However, installing large apps, downloading videos, or updating the operating system may require considerably more space.
It's therefore useful to check your storage periodically, review downloads, and clear temporary data rather than waiting for a low-storage warning.
Important: Your phone's internal storage and RAM are not the same thing. Deleting files frees up storage space but does not increase the device's RAM.
