Storage full: how to free up space

First: back up what matters

Before deleting photos or files, make sure they’re saved somewhere else. See our guide to backing up photos and files.

iPhone and iPad

• Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage. It lists what’s using space and gives suggestions.
• Delete or “Offload” apps you don’t use. Offloading removes the app but keeps its data.
• Delete large videos and old Messages attachments after they’re backed up. Also check Recently Deleted in Photos, which holds items for 30 days.

Android

• Open Settings, Storage to see what’s using space.
• The Files by Google app has a Clean tab that suggests junk files, duplicates, and unused apps.
• Uninstall apps you don’t use, clear big downloads, and empty the Trash in Google Photos or Gallery.

Windows

• Settings, System, Storage shows what’s using space. Turn on Storage Sense to clean up temporary files automatically.
• Uninstall programs you don’t use (Settings, Apps, Installed apps).
• Empty the Recycle Bin and clear out the Downloads folder.

Mac

• System Settings, General, Storage shows a breakdown and recommendations.
• Empty the Trash and look through Downloads. Delete installers you no longer need.

Careful: Don’t delete files from system folders (like Windows or Library) to get space, and avoid “cleaner” programs that promise to do it for you. If you’re unsure whether something is safe to delete, ask me first.