Managing storage on a mobile device can be a bit tricky. If you compare modern smartphones and tablets with their early predecessors, it is pretty clear that the hardware has come a long way, including available storage.

However, the total space on a mobile device is still pretty mediocre, and running out of it is pretty easy.

As soon as there are storage issues, the device starts to underperform because of all the clutter. Using a slow smartphone or tablet is not fun, and you should put some time and effort into optimizing the storage.

The purpose of this article is to give you ideas on how you can accomplish that. Make the most out of the tips below, and you are bound to notice a difference in what the storage on your mobile device was before and what it is now.

Manage Media Files

Let’s start with media files that appear on your device because you use the camera. Since modern smartphones and tablets offer high-quality images and videos, you might not even realize how much space all the videos and photos you take require.

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to avoid taking pictures and videos if you can. Otherwise, you will need to end up needing to remove them or find a different location to store the data.

It is also common to take multiple images that look alike, and duplicates are not disregarded lightly. You need to get rid of them regularly.

Of course, you might end up deleting some files accidentally, so be careful even if you know how to get deleted pictures back on iphone or another smartphone or tablet. It is better to be a bit cautious and spend a bit of time so that you avoid potential mishaps because file recovery is a hassle.

Delete Old Applications

Applications are another likely source cluttering your mobile device. If you are not careful, it will not take too long before you download and install more applications than the smartphone or tablet can realistically handle.

It is not just the sheer storage that apps consume. Too many apps for the mobile device to handle is another issue.

Take the approach of deleting apps you no longer use. If an application becomes obsolete, do not hesitate and remove it from the device. After all, in case you want to use it again in the future, you still have the option to download and install it later.

As a side note, keep in mind that applications also accumulate temporary data, such as cache and extensions, meaning that you need to remove this temporary junk too.

Consume Media on Streaming Services

Streaming platforms offer a great alternative to music. Some mobile device users also go as far as keeping movies and TV shows on the device, but such a habit is not ideal for the overall storage state, to say the least.

Right now, it makes sense to stick to streaming platforms as they are more convenient to consume media. You do not have to bother downloading data when it is available with just a few clicks directly on the platform.

In the case of mobile devices, music is the likely media type that causes potential problems with the available space.

Spotify is the go-to option, even if it costs a few dollars a month for a premium plan (you want the premium version to skip ads).

Use Cleanup Tools to Remove Temporary Junk

Cleanup utility tools are common among computer users, and there are a few options for mobile devices for both iOS and Android.

The goal of using such a tool is to clean the device from temporary junk that accumulates over time. This kind of data is not something you can access yourself unless you know how to tinker with the settings, and automating the task by leaving it to specific software makes more sense.

Utilize External Storage

There is no need to keep all the files on the device itself. You can utilize external storage, such as microSD cards. Some people even connect their mobile devices to a computer and transfer data there.

If you want a more digital approach, why not use cloud storage services like iCloud and Dropbox? They offer a limited amount of space for free with an option to expand it, though it is going to cost you a few dollars every month.

Check Various Downloaded Files

The last bit of advice is about files you download. It is easy to lose track of email attachments, PDFs from various websites, media friends send via social media, and so on.

Now and then, check the folder where you save downloads on your smartphone or tablet and get rid of files you no longer need.

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