Free up space on a Pixel Tablet
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Storage is where you keep data, like music and photos.
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Memory is where you run programs, like apps and the Android system.
Important: On Pixel Tablet, some of these steps work only on Android 14 and up. Learn how to update your Android version.
Free up storage
See what's using storage
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap a category.
Free up storage automatically
To clear backed-up photos and videos automatically when your device's storage is almost full:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Storage 👁 and then
Free up space 👁 and then
Menu 👁 Menu
. - Tap Settings 👁 Image
. - Turn on Smart Storage.
Free up storage yourself
To pick from a list of photos, videos, and apps that you haven't used recently:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Storage 👁 and then
Free up space. - To pick something to delete, scroll to the category you want to delete and tap Select files. (If nothing is listed, tap Browse.)
- Choose the files to delete, or choose all of them.
- Tap Move files to Trash.
To pick from all data:
Remove backed-up photos & videos
If you back up with Google Photos, you can delete the copies on your phone or tablet. You can find the backed-up copies in the app when your device is connected to the internet. Learn how to delete photos and videos from your device.
Remove downloaded movies, music & other media
To delete content from other sources, delete from the app that you used to download it.
Uninstall apps you don't use
If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. You don't have to buy the app again if you paid for it. Learn how to uninstall apps.
Clear the app's cache & data
- Clear cache: Deletes temporary data. Some apps may be slow the next time you open them.
- Clear storage: Permanently deletes all app data. Try to delete the data within the app first.
To clear your app’s cache and data:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Apps 👁 and then
See All Apps - Tap the app.
- Tap Storage & cache Clear cache or Clear storage
Delete downloaded files
To save space, you can delete downloaded files you don't need.
Tip: To see more files that are using space on your phone or tablet, open your Settings app 👁 And then
tap Storage 👁 And then
Free up space 👁 And then
Browse.
Copy files to a computer
You can move files and folders to a computer with a USB cable, and then delete them from your phone or tablet. Learn how to transfer files between your tablet and computer.
Check and free up memory
You don't usually need to close apps. But if an app isn't responding, you can try to close or force stop the app.
Tip: If you think an app is using too much memory, you can delete the app. Learn how to uninstall apps.