Quick answer: open the storage screen to see what’s biggest, back up photos to the cloud or a computer, then clear downloaded videos, old WhatsApp media and apps you don’t use.
1. See what’s using the space
iPhone
Settings → General → iPhone Storage. Apps are listed biggest first, with suggestions at the top.
Samsung
Settings → Device care → Storage (or Battery and device care → Storage).
Google Pixel
Settings → Storage.
2. Clear space – safest first
- Downloaded films and series in streaming apps – often several gigabytes. Delete episodes you’ve watched.
- WhatsApp media: WhatsApp → Settings → Storage and data → Manage storage. Review large files and forwarded videos.
- Recently deleted: deleted photos stay for 30 days. Empty Recently Deleted (iPhone) or the Bin (Google Photos, Samsung Gallery) once you’re sure.
- Offload unused apps: iPhone can remove an app but keep its data – tap the app in iPhone Storage → Offload App.
- Old messages: set messages to delete after a year (iPhone: Settings → Apps → Messages → Keep Messages).
- Browser and app cache (Android): clear the cache of large apps in their storage settings.
3. Move photos and videos safely
Photos are usually the biggest item. Before deleting anything, make sure they’re backed up:
- iCloud Photos with Optimise iPhone Storage keeps small versions on the phone and originals in iCloud.
- Google Photos backup, then Free up space removes backed-up copies from the phone.
- Or copy them to a computer or a USB-C memory stick.
Check your backup has finished – open the photo app online or on another device – before deleting photos from the phone.
Need more room?
Many Samsung A-series phones take a microSD card. For iPhone and other phones, a USB-C or Lightning memory stick is handy for moving videos off. Ask us in the shop which suits your phone.
Walk in – no appointment
Home visit in London
Post it to us
Explained
Fix it yourself
Fix it yourself