How to check and free up storage on a Samsung Galaxy phone
By Saadat Rafiq · 2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 5 October 2026
Open Settings, Device care and tap Storage to see how much is used and what takes the space. Delete large files and duplicates from there, follow the suggestions, uninstall apps you do not use, and clear the cache of apps that store a lot of temporary data under Settings, Apps, the app, Storage.
- Device
- Android
- Shown on
- Samsung Galaxy A57 5G (SM-A576B), One UI 8.5, Android 16
- App
- Settings
- Path
- Settings › Device care › Storage: categories › Duplicate files › Large files › Suggestions
- Real screenshots
- 5 of 6 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
A full phone gets slow, fails to install updates and stops taking photos. One UI shows exactly what fills it and offers to clean some of it for you.
The screenshots are from a Samsung Galaxy A57 5G with One UI 8.5 and Android 16. Other Galaxy phones on One UI 8 use the same menus; on older One UI versions a few names and positions differ.
Step by step
Open Device care
Open Settings and tap Device care. The Storage bar shows how much of the phone is used.
See what takes the space
Tap Storage. The Manage storage page lists audio files, images, videos and documents with their sizes. Tap a category to see and delete its files.
Remove duplicates and large files
Below the categories, Duplicate files and Large files collect the easiest wins. Tap one, select what you do not need and delete it.
Follow the suggestions
Under Suggestions, One UI offers quick clean-ups, such as archiving apps you do not use (your data is kept) or deleting old images.
Uninstall apps you do not use
Open Settings, Apps. The list shows each app with its size. Tap an app you no longer need and tap Uninstall.
Clear an app's cache
In Settings, Apps, tap an app, then Storage and Clear cache. This removes temporary files only. Clear data instead resets the app and deletes its data, so use it with care.
Good to know
Deleted pictures and videos go to the Trash in Gallery first; empty it to be sure the space is freed.
Messages can delete old conversations automatically: in Messages, More options, Settings, More settings, Delete old messages.
In short: Settings, Device care, Storage: categories, Duplicate files, Large files, Suggestions. Uninstall unused apps; clear app caches.
Links checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.