How to delete files in Android. Total Commander will help you structure your folders and files. Deleting files using your computer

When working with files on your phone, you often have to delete them, but standard procedure does not guarantee complete disappearance of the element. To exclude the possibility of its recovery, you should consider methods of destroying already deleted files.

For mobile devices There are several ways to get rid of the above elements, but in all cases you will have to resort to help third party programs. However, the action itself is irreversible, and if important materials were previously deleted, you should consider methods for restoring them, described in the following article:

Method 1: Smartphone Apps

There are not many effective options for getting rid of already erased files on mobile devices. Examples of several of them are presented below.

Andro Shredder

Enough simple program for working with files. The interface is easy to use and does not require special knowledge to perform the necessary operations. To get rid of deleted files, you need the following:

iShredder

Perhaps one of the most effective programs to get rid of already deleted files. It works like this:

Method 2: PC programs

These tools are primarily designed to clear memory on a computer, but some of them can also be effective for mobile devices. Detailed description is given in a separate article:

Should be considered separately. This program is widely known to all users and has a version for mobile devices. However, in the latter case, there is no way to clear space from already deleted files, so you will have to turn to the PC version. Performance required cleaning similar to the description in previous methods and is described in detail in the instructions above. But the program will be effective for a mobile device only when working with removable media, for example, an SD card, which can be removed and connected to the computer via an adapter.

The methods discussed in the article will help you get rid of all previously deleted materials. At the same time, you should remember that the procedure is irreversible and make sure that there are no important materials among those removed.

Increasingly, users of mobile devices give preference to devices running on operating systems. Android systems. And this is understandable. "Android" like open system, allows you to install a lot of free and paid applications and programs that significantly expand functionality smartphone or tablet. The system is equipped with a convenient and clear interface, supports all Google services, is easily configured taking into account the preferences of the device owner and allows the user to centrally update software to a new, more current version.

Over time, the memory of a smartphone or tablet accumulates a large number of applications, programs (including system ones) and other information that significantly reduce system performance and battery resources. A reasonable question arises: “How to remove a program from Android if it has lost its significance and is no longer needed?” There are several ways that can be implemented standard methods and using third-party utilities.

Like with Android

Most applications for Android devices are downloaded from the Market Google Play. Removing them is not difficult. To do this you need:

Find icon on smartphone or tablet Google Market Play;
. log in to your account using your password and login;
. select the “My Applications” tab;
. download full list applications and programs installed on the device;
. choose the necessary utility;
. wait until it opens additional window with information about the application;
. click the “Delete” button;
. the program will be automatically removed from the mobile device.

In this simple way you can solve the problem of how to remove downloads from Android.

Uninstalling applications using standard means

Every Android device is equipped with regular means, allowing you to remove all unnecessary applications from its memory (except standard programs). To do this you will need:

On your desktop or in the main menu of your mobile device, find the “Settings” section;
. go to the “Applications” subsection;
. select the program to be removed from the list;
. It is recommended to first erase data and clear cache using the appropriate options;
. then click on the “Delete” button;
. Confirm your choice by clicking on the “Ok” button.

Standard products help not only to remove unnecessary applications, but also to solve the problem of how to remove unnecessary things from Android.

Using third-party functionality

Exists great amount third-party software that can quickly and easily remove any user installed application. The most common utility is the AppInstaller program.

To remove an application using this utility, you must:

Find it in the Google Play Market;
. download and install on your mobile device;
. run the AppInstaller program;
. select “Manage”;
. after generating a list of all available applications find the one that should be deleted;
. use the “Uninstall” function in the pop-up menu;

Thanks to the fast and convenient utility AppInstaller the problem of how to remove a program from Android is no longer there.

If you wish, you can use any file manager with built-in application management functions, for example, Astro File Manager and ES File Explorer.

Removing standard programs

There are many system applications available on your mobile device. Some of them are not needed at all. How to remove a program from Android, or rather, system application, and free up the space it occupies random access memory? You must have root rights.

Installing them is quite difficult. For each smartphone or tablet, you need to individually select software and services. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the utility Kingo Android ROOT, adapted for a large number of models of mobile gadgets. To obtain superuser rights using this program you need:

Download and install the utility on your computer;
. In the device settings, find the “For Developers” section and check the “USB Debugging” box;
. connect the device to the computer using a USB cable;
. the program will automatically detect the device and install necessary drivers;
. after all the drivers are installed, click on the red big button"Root";
. wait for the process to complete;
. Various warnings and requests may appear, which should be confirmed by clicking on the “Ok” button;
. At the end of the installation of root rights, reboot the device.

Now you can start deleting standard applications. For this you will need a special file manager Root Explorer.

Download and install the file manager.
. Launch it.
. In the upper right corner, tap on the “R/W” button.
. Open the “System/app” folder.
. Find the right application(two files with the extension .apk and .odex are deleted).
. Press and hold your finger on it.
. will appear extra menu.
. Select the “Delete” option.
. The program has been deleted.

Put away system files from a device is not so easy, while removing a banner from Android is even more difficult.

A ransomware banner appeared on my smartphone, how can I remove it?

When visiting dubious sites or downloading unverified software, you may stumble upon a ransomware banner. This is a fairly common occurrence on a computer. However, progress does not stand still, and banners have reached mobile devices.

How to remove a banner from Android? The problem can be solved in different ways. Resetting the settings to the factory state will help get rid of the hated banner. What should you use it for? safe mode, to enter which you need to turn off your smartphone and turn it on again by holding down two volume buttons. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to save personal information, stored on the device.

There is another method, based on unloading the process of the browser running in the OS.
To do this you need:

Go to the “Settings” section;
. open the “Applications” subsection;
. switch to the “Running” tab;
. select and click on the icon desired browser;
. use the “Stop” button;
. then use the “Clear cache” option to get rid of the banner;
. enable in browser settings

How to remove a virus from Android

Malicious software and viruses are becoming increasingly common on Android devices. Most developers well-known antiviruses offer to the user mobile versions their utilities. One of them is the free program Dr.Web Light.

You can clean your smartphone or tablet from viruses using this antivirus as follows:

Download the utility from third party resources or from the Google Play Market;
. install on the device;
. run antivirus;
. turn on the monitor to protect the system by clicking on the line “SplDer Guard”;
. to check the device, use the “Scanner” option;
. If a threat is detected, the antivirus will suggest actions that can be taken with it (deleting or quarantining).

Always available for download full version programs providing comprehensive protection smartphone and helping to solve the problem of how to remove a virus from Android.

Removing an account linked to a device

Often, for a number of reasons, it becomes necessary to delete an account from mobile gadget. To do this you need:

Open the “Settings” section and the “Accounts and synchronization settings” or “Accounts and synchronization” subsection;
. Select the account to be deleted from the list;
. tap on it and delete.

If the first method doesn't work, you can try another way:

Go to the “Settings” section and the “Applications” subsection;
. activate the “All” tab;
. find the “Coogle Services” application icon;
. open information about it and click the “Clear data” button.

If you have root rights, the problem of how to delete an account from Android can be resolved using the Root Explorer file manager. This method will require you to create a backup copy of your contacts.

You need to open the root directory.
. Go to the “data” folder.
. Find the “system” folder, and in it - the “accounts.db” file.
. Long press on the file to open an additional menu.
. Use the “Delete” function.
. Reboot the device.

Using one of the methods, you can once and for all solve the problem of how to delete a market from Android, or rather, an account Google entry.

How to delete chat history and the Skype program itself from Android

The popular Skype utility has found its use among mobile device users. Therefore, the question often arises about whether it is from Android, and, accordingly, all correspondence.

Let's start with the history of correspondence. You can clean it only by removing all user information in the Skype application. To do this you need:

Go to the “Settings” section;
. find the “Applications” subsection;
. switch to the “Application Management” tab;
. choose Skype program;
. use the “Delete data” option;
. Confirm your choice by clicking on the “Ok” button.

To remove the entire program from the device you will need:

In the “Application Management” tab, click on the Skype utility icon;
. use the “Delete” option, remembering to clear the cache memory first.

If AppInstaller or any ES File Explorer, etc. is installed on your smartphone or tablet, remove Skype application possible with their help.

Deleting folders and individual files

Sometimes there is a need to clean the device from separate folders and files. How to delete a folder from Android? Yes, very simple:

Call context menu and select the “Change” option;
. Press and hold a folder until the trash can icon appears;
. drag it to the trash.

The main thing is not to forget to check before doing this to see if there is any important data in the folder that will be lost. Restoring them will not be so easy.

The situation is different with folders that are not deleted, for example, “Auto backup”. This is a kind of backup copy of a folder with photos, linked to Google account. In this case, you need to do it differently:

First, go to the “Accounts and Synchronization” section;
. choose account Google;
. uncheck the box next to “Synchronize photos”;
. after that, in the “Applications” tab, find the “Gallery” application;
. click on the “Clear data” button;
. the “Auto backup” folder will disappear from the device.

How can I delete music from Android? For this it is enough:

Select the desired composition;
. hold it until you appear function menu;
. use the “Delete” option.

Factory reset

Clear Android device from individual elements (programs, files, folders, etc.) quite easily. But what to do with the problem of how to remove everything from Android? To do this, you will need to completely reset all data from the gadget and restore it to factory settings.

In the “Settings” section, find the “Personal” block.
. Open tab " Backup copy and reset."
. Tap on the line “Reset settings”.
. After clicking on the “Reset phone settings” button, all personal data will be deleted.

Cleaning the device from accumulated “garbage”

During operation mobile device a large amount accumulates unnecessary information (temporary files, unused applications etc.), which take up a considerable amount of memory and reduce the performance of the device.

To monitor system performance and remove accumulated “garbage”, you can use special application Clean Master. To do this you will need:

  • download and install the program;
  • an icon with the image of a broom will appear on the desktop;
  • run the program;
  • in the main menu, click on the “Garbage” tab;
  • after automatic scanning, the application will show how much memory is occupied by temporary files;
  • delete them by clicking the “Clear” button located at the bottom of the window;
  • for removing unused programs go to the “Application Manager” tab;
  • check the boxes next to the utilities that should be removed;
  • tap on the “Delete” button.

The program allows you not only to get rid of “garbage”, but also to solve the problem of how to remove a program from Android.

Among the applications that allow you to clear the cache memory, the SCleaner utility, developed directly for Android platform. It's easy to use. To do this you need:

Download and install the program on your smartphone or tablet;
. launch the application; the main menu is represented by two tabs - “Cleaning” and “Settings”;
. Before cleaning, it is recommended to set required parameters(cleaning method, excluding files and folders from the list that cannot be deleted);
. click on the “Cleaning” tab;
. after completing the analysis, click on the “View/Edit” line;
. uncheck the checkbox next to files that should not be deleted;
. Tap on the “Clear” button.

"Android" - flexible and open operating system. Each user can optimize it to suit their preferences, install applications, communication programs, update software as needed, get root rights and manage system data. However, like other operating systems, it is not unique; over time, it accumulates a lot of unnecessary temporary files and unused utilities that should be removed, thereby restoring its performance. Otherwise, they will reduce system performance and affect the battery life potential.

Surely there is absolutely nothing on your tablet or smartphone necessary files, which only occupy extra space. You can always delete them. You will learn how to do this from our article.

I would like to immediately note that the user can delete any files except system ones, although the latter can also be deleted if you have superuser rights, which in turn can turn the device into a brick. Therefore, if you are not sure whether a particular file can be deleted, it is better not to touch it.

Deleting files is possible not only using the device itself, but also using a computer - when the device is connected to it. Let's go in order.

Deleting files using a file manager

Download the file manager from our website or from Google Play, if you don’t have it yet, install and run. When you launch you will see something like this:

Highlighted in red is the device memory and memory card, respectively. Select the partition where you want to delete files. Let's say the deletion will take place from the memory card. Select this section and see a list of folders and files.

To delete a folder, tap on it and hold your finger for about a second until it becomes highlighted, for example:

Then click on the trash can icon at the top of the screen to delete. If you need to delete a file in a folder, go into the folder and do the same trick. File deleted.

Deleting files using your computer

In this case, you need to connect the device to the computer using a cable. After that, open the contents of the device - either the internal memory or the memory card.

You see the files. Select the ones you need and delete them in the usual way to the trash.

If necessary, delete files from the recycle bin on your computer. This is how easy it is to delete files on Android. The main thing is not to remove anything unnecessary.



Some time ago, our site talked about one running Android OS. You probably remember that this can be done different ways depending on the firmware. The same applies to deleting a folder.

For example, let's take stock Android 4.4.4. To delete a folder on this version of the operating system, you need to click on the folder and, holding your finger, pull up to the word “Delete” (on some versions the trash can is shown instead of the word “Delete”).

After this, the folder will be deleted from the desktop, but the applications themselves will not be deleted. Most modern launchers and firmware are configured in exactly the same way.

On some firmware, it is impossible to delete folders in a similar way at all. This includes Flyme from Meizu or MIUI from Xiaomi. On these firmwares, by default, applications are removed directly from the desktop, similar to iOS. And to ensure that the user does not delete anything unnecessary, folders cannot be deleted, they can only be disbanded. This means that you just need to remove all applications from the folder on the desktop and when there is only one application left in it, the folder itself will disappear, leaving behind the icon of the last application.

In the next screenshot you can see that the folder cannot be deleted, it can only be moved.

The above does not apply to all firmware. So, for example, on Samsung Galaxy even if you delete all applications from the folder, the latter does not disappear anywhere. However, it can be deleted along with application icons.

In general, friends, try it. If you are unable to delete a folder from your desktop in one way, try another and everything will work out.

Some time after the first turn on, too much information accumulates on the phone and simply does not remain free space for new files. Owners of budget Android devices especially often encounter this problem. But not everything is so simple, all phones have several types of memory, and first you need to figure out what each of them is responsible for, and only then clean the gadget from unnecessary files and irrelevant information. What ways are there to clean up or increase storage capacity?

Types of memory on Android devices

Each of the memory departments has its own tasks and characteristics, which we will now look into:

  • Built-in memory is the memory that is initially located on the phone or tablet and is intended for storage various files. Each device has its own HDD, on which the operating system itself and the programs necessary for normal and full functioning are recorded. After connecting the device to the Internet, or using other methods, you can start filling the internal memory with everything you need: files, programs, music, videos, etc.
  • A storage device or memory card is an addition to internal memory, which is installed separately. All Android devices have a special input for an SD card, which will allow you to expand the memory by 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 GB. On external storage You can transfer personal information, media files and applications.
  • If the internal and external memory becomes completely full, you will no longer be able to place anything on the device. It is also possible that the phone will begin to freeze, slow down and refuse to launch applications.

  • RAM - this memory stores information about the processes that occur in this moment, and files copied to the clipboard. That is, if you launched a game or application, started watching videos or listening to music via the Internet, then the load will go to the RAM. In other words, this memory is designed to store cache. Everything that is in this memory is temporary files, since they will be erased after rebooting the device or when a special button is pressed.
  • ROM (ROM) - unlike RAM, it is permanent memory, which stores the processes necessary for the full functioning of the system. That is, the ROM is responsible for the loads associated with operating system, and is not reset when the device is rebooted.
  • If the RAM or ROM is completely full, the phone will start to freeze, slow down and stop opening applications. Also, in many devices there is a function due to which, when the RAM or ROM is heavily loaded, automatic reboot and disabling some applications.

    How to view statistics on the memory load of a smartphone or tablet

    First, let's check how much and what kind of memory we have left by following these steps:

  • Open your phone settings.

    Open settings

  • Go to the "Memory" section.

    Go to the “Memory” section

  • Here you can view detailed information about built-in and external memory. The list is divided into sections that describe how much memory there is, what it is occupied by, and how much free space is left.

    Memory usage information

  • To find out what part of the RAM and ROM is free, hold down the “Menu” button on the phone panel.

    Press the "Menu" button to view information about RAM and ROM

  • The window that opens shows a list of running applications, and at the bottom there is a button with the words “Available...MB from...GB”. The second digit is the sum of RAM and ROM, the first digit is how much of the total memory is available at the moment.

    The button at the bottom of the screen contains information about the available and total memory of RAM and ROM

  • How to clear device memory

    Since everyone faces this problem sooner or later, there are several cleaning methods, each of which is used for a specific memory.

    Using built-in applications

    First of all, let's use what the developers of your smartphone came up with to clear the internal and external memory by following these steps:

  • Go to your phone settings.

    Go to settings

  • Go to the "Memory" section.

    Go to the “Memory” section

  • Click on the "Cache" button.

    Click on the “Cache” button

  • Confirm deletion of data.

    Confirm cache deletion

  • Now go to the Miscellaneous section.

    Go to the “Miscellaneous” section

  • Check the box for those applications whose files you are not afraid of losing. That is, if you delete .vkontakte, you will lose all saved music and pictures, and the same will happen with other applications whose files you delete.

    We mark applications whose files you don’t mind deleting

  • Click on the garbage can icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

    Click on the garbage can icon to delete data

  • Video tutorial: leave what you need, delete what you don’t need - how to properly clear memory in Android

    To clear RAM and ROM, follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the "Menu" button on your device.

    Hold down the "Menu" button to open the list of running applications

  • In the window that appears, click the button with the broom icon.

    Click on the broom icon to close all applications at once

  • Open your phone settings.

    Open the phone settings

  • Go to the "Applications" section.

    Go to the “Applications” section

  • Go to the “Working” subsection.

    Go to the “Working” section

  • Click on an application that you can stop without losing the functionality of your device. For example, select “Vkontakte”, “Instagram”, browser and similar applications.

    Selecting applications that can be stopped

  • Click the Stop button.

    Click the “Stop” button

  • Do the same for everyone unnecessary applications.
  • Go to the list of cached applications by clicking on the corresponding icon in the right top corners screen.

    Click on the special icon to go to the list of cached applications

  • Stop all unnecessary applications.

    Stopping unnecessary applications

  • Video tutorial: clearing RAM on an Android device

    Freeing up storage space manually

    This method involves transferring files and programs from internal memory to external memory, since usually the phone’s built-in memory is noticeably smaller than that which can be additionally installed using an SD card. Transfer to external memory You can have pictures, videos, e-books and files that are not involved in maintaining the functionality of the phone. In general, transfer everything that is not related to the operating system.

  • Open File Explorer. This is an application that contains all the folders and files located on the device.

    Open Explorer

  • Go to internal memory.

    Go to internal memory

  • Hold your finger on the file you want to transfer for a couple of seconds.

    Select file to transfer

  • Click on the scissors icon to cut it.

    Click on the scissors icon to cut the file

  • Go to the MicroSD section.

    Go to the MicroSD section

  • Click on the paper tablet icon to insert a file.

    Insert the cut file using the “Insert” button

  • Do the same with all files.
  • You can also transfer part of the application to external memory by following these steps:

  • Open your device settings.

    Open the phone settings

  • Go to the "Memory" section.

    Go to the “Memory” section

  • Check the box next to MicroSD.

    Check the box next to MIcroSD

  • Reboot your phone. From this moment on, all applications not included in the list of built-in ones will be transferred to external memory. But be careful, if you remove or break the external drive, applications will no longer run.

    Reboot the device

  • Using a computer

    Don't forget that you can use your computer as an external drive. To transfer files from phone to PC, follow these steps:

  • Connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable.

    We connect the phone and computer using a USB cable

  • Wait until all drivers are installed.
  • On your computer, open File Explorer and navigate to your phone's contents.

    Let's go to the contents of the phone

  • Cut out and transfer all files that are not involved in maintaining the functionality of the device, that is, those that were uploaded by you personally, and not by the creators of the phone.
  • We expand the capabilities of the gadget using cloud technologies

    IN last years The Internet industry is actively developing, such as cloud technologies, allowing you to upload a file to the cloud via the Internet. It goes like this:

  • You open one of the programs designed for cloud storage. For example, the Yandex.Disk application, which can be downloaded from Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.yandex.disk&hl=ru.

    Install the Yandex.Disk application

  • Click on the “Upload file” button and select the one you need.

    Upload the necessary files to Yandex cloud servers

  • Done, now you can delete the file from your phone, it will remain on Yandex Disk until you download it from there or delete it. But be careful, carefully read the file storage conditions on cloud servers, since some companies set limits on file sizes and storage periods, after which it will be automatically deleted.
  • We work with third-party programs

    IN Play Market you can easily find a lot free programs, which help you clean your phone in a couple of clicks. Now we will look at the most popular and practical of them:

    Clean Master will free your storage from unnecessary information

    Probably one of the most famous applications, and not only in its category, as it has more than 5,000,000 installations. Clean Master offers complete cleaning devices from temporary files, cache, damaged and empty folders, browser history and other garbage. Its capabilities also include automatic closing unnecessary applications and built-in antivirus. The application has a nice and user-friendly interface, allowing you to clean the device with just two clicks of the “Analysis” and “Clean” buttons. Installation link from Play Market -

    Install Clean app Master

    System monitoring in Android Assistant

    Also deservedly in the top Play Market program(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.advancedprocessmanager&hl=ru), which has a very wide list of features:

  • Constant system monitoring, providing the user with information about system load, memory status, battery temperature and other useful things.
  • Process manager that allows you to manage running applications in a couple of touches of the screen.
  • Ability to view the list of applications that start automatically when the device is turned on and disable them.
  • The App 2 SD function allows you to quickly move installed applications from internal to external memory.
  • And, most importantly, the application will allow you to clear your phone’s memory of unnecessary files with the press of one button.

    Install Android app Assistant

  • Total Commander will help you structure your folders and files

    This application is designed to organize all the files on the device. Total Commander will allow you to pack and unpack folders with their contents rar formats and zip. Its capabilities also include editing and transferring the contents of the phone from place to place or to another device. Installation link from Play Market -

    Installing the Total Commander application

    How to increase internal memory on Android

    If clearing the memory did not solve your problems, then it’s time to think about upgrading your device.

    First, get an SD card. At the moment, their cost depends on the amount of memory. That is, an 8 GB card will cost twice as much more maps by 4 GB. Try to buy a card with more memory than you currently need, as you may be able to move it to other storage spaces in the future. new phone, and you won't have to buy a new one.

    Secondly, install from Play Market application FolderMount (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount&hl=ru) and the 360root application, which will give your device root rights (you can download it from the official developer website http:/ /360root.ru).

  • Launch the 360root application and click on the button in the middle of the screen. Done, superuser rights have been obtained.

    Press the button to give the phone root rights

  • Open the application. It is designed to increase the internal memory of the device by combining the storage areas located there with an SD card. That is, applications can be completely transferred to an external drive from the phone, accordingly freeing up the built-in memory.

    Open the application

  • We begin to manually combine folders. More details on how to do this correctly are described in the video tutorial.
  • Video: combining folders

    Thirdly, let’s figure out how to increase the device’s RAM. You can do this using special programs, creating a swap file. For example, Ram Manager.

  • Download the application from the Play Market - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartprojects.RAMOptimizationFree&hl=ru.

    Install RAM application Manager Free

  • We give him root rights.

    Give the application root rights

  • Select one of the operating modes.

    Select one of the modes

  • Ram Manager operating modes:

  • Balance - maximum optimization random access memory.
  • Balance (with more free memory) – maximum optimization of RAM for devices with up to 512 MB of memory.
  • Balance (with more multitasking) – maximum optimization of RAM for devices with more than 512 MB.
  • Hard Gaming is a mode for those who like to run serious games on their device that require a lot of resources.
  • Hard Multitasking - this mode will optimize the operation of the device while running several programs simultaneously.
  • Default (Samsung) – this mode is activated in devices from Samsung by default, but can now be used on phones from other companies.
  • Default (Nexus S) – mode for phones and tablets from Google.
  • Default settings of your phone - this function resets the RAM settings to the “default” level.
  • How to avoid cluttering your phone and save system resources

    To avoid problems with free memory devices in the future, you should follow simple rules:

  • Download only what you really need. Don't buy the big names and promises of programs that promise to speed up your device several times. They will only clog your memory, which will lead to sad consequences.
  • Make it a rule to transfer photos and videos from your phone to your computer or flash drive once every couple of weeks. This will significantly relieve memory, and it will not run out at the most inopportune moment.
  • Use memory cleaning programs regularly. For example, Clean Master. They will clear the cache and other garbage accumulated on your device.
  • Buy an SD card, which will greatly increase the amount of available memory.
  • The performance of the device directly depends on the free space. If the memory is clogged, then you cannot avoid freezes and reduced phone performance. Remember that any computer device requires constant care and protection from viruses. Only if you are careful and careful with your gadget will it serve you for a long time and with high quality, constantly satisfying your needs.