How do I free up storage on my phone?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to take a video at your kid's recital, but your phone said 'Storage Full' at the worst moment.

Full storage blocks updates and photos.

Causes & evidence

Photos, videos and app caches are usually the biggest users.

What to do

1. Check the storage screen in settings.
2. Back up photos to the cloud or computer, then delete.
3. Remove unused apps.
4. Clear old message attachments.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: deleting photos before confirming the backup finished. Check that photos appear in your cloud or on the computer before deleting. Clear 'Recently Deleted,' since deleted photos stay there for a while. Offload apps you rarely use. Downloaded videos and music can take a lot of space. Messaging apps store photos and videos; review large attachments. Don't fill storage to the brim, or updates can't install. Streaming apps often keep offline downloads you've already watched; delete them in the app's downloads section.

Speed Man tip: Free storage also lets updates install. See software updates.

Wrap-up: Check storage. Back up photos. Delete apps.