What can I do if my phone is running out of storage?

If your device is running low on storage space or you have received a warning message that your storage is full, you can use the following methods to either free up storage space or expand the available storage.

• Expand your storage using an SD card - If your phone has a microSD card slot or tray, you can increase the available storage of your device by inserting a compatible microSD card. You can then copy files saved to your phone's internal storage to your microSD card and save new data directly to it. To copy files to your microSD card, follow these instructions:
  


1. Tap the "File Manager" or "Files" app on your device.
2. Open the folder containing the file you want to save to your SD card.
3. Tap and hold the desired file.
4. Tap the "Menu" icon.
5. Tap "Copy."
6. Go to the location on your SD card where you would like to save the file.
7. Tap the "Menu" icon. Then, tap "Paste."
8. Once the file is copied, you can delete it from your phone's internal storage.


• Sync your photos and videos - Android phones have built in backup and syncing options for files that often take up large amounts of storage space, such as photos and videos. To turn these features on, follow these steps:


1. Tap the "Google Photos" app.
2. Sign in to your Google account. If you have multiple accounts on your device, select the one you want to sync.
3. Tap the "Menu" icon.
4. Tap "Settings."
5. Tap "Back up & sync." When this function is turned on, any photos and videos stored on your phone will automatically be backed up to https://photos.google.com/.
   
   Note: The upload size determines the amount of storage available to you. The High setting gives you unlimited storage to back up your photos and videos. If you change this setting to Original, the data will count against the 15 GB of free storage that comes with your account.


6. Once your files have been synced, you can delete files from your device by opening the photo or video in the "Photos" app.
7. Tap the "Menu" icon, indicated by the 3 dots. Then, select "Delete from device."


• Copy your files to your computer - You can move files stored on your phone to your computer to back them up and free space on your device. To do so, follow the instructions below.
  
  Note: If you are using a Mac, you will need to download the Android File Transfer App and follow the directions listed here.


1. Plug your device into your PC using the provided micro USB or USB Type-C cable.
2. Open "File Explorer" on your computer.
3. Select "This PC."
4. Your device's name should appear in the list. Select it. Note: If you do not see your device appear on your PC, make sure your device is set to "USB for file transfer" mode.
5. Select the folder that contains the files you want to copy to your PC.
6. Click and drag the files to the desired location on your PC.
7. Once the files have been copied, you can delete the files from your device.