How to Free Up Storage Space (Phone and Computer)

Here’s how to free up storage space when your phone or computer says it’s full, on an iPhone, an Android phone, Windows 11, and a Mac.

Where does it all go?

Photos and videos — Usually the biggest category on a phone
Temporary and cache files — Leftovers from updates, downloads, and everyday use
Apps you forgot you installed — Easy to find and clear once you know where to look

How to free up storage space, step by step

iPhone

1iPhone: free up storage

Settings → General → iPhone Storage.

WHAT TO DOTap an app you don’t use, then Offload App.

Free up storage space: iPhone: free up storage

Android

2Android: free up storage

Settings → Storage → Free up space.

WHAT TO DOCheck what’s safe to remove, then confirm.

Android: free up storage

Windows 11

3Windows 11: free up storage

Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files.

WHAT TO DOCheck the boxes, then click Remove files.

Windows 11: free up storage

Mac

4Mac: free up storage

System Settings → General → Storage.

WHAT TO DOClick Manage, then turn on Empty Trash Automatically.

Mac: free up storage

A few tips

Check your photo backup first — If photos are already backed up, deleting local copies is safe
Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash — Deleting a file doesn’t free space until you empty it
Big apps you rarely use? — Offloading or uninstalling them is the fastest win, phone or computer

Recap: freeing up storage space on every device

iPhone: Settings, General, iPhone Storage, Offload App
Android: Settings, Storage, Free up space
Windows 11: Settings, System, Storage, Temporary files
Mac: System Settings, General, Storage, Manage

Printable quick guide

Free Up Storage Space (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I free up storage on an iPhone?

Open Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. Review the recommendations and app list, and tap an app you don’t use, then Offload App, to remove it while keeping its data.

How do I free up storage on an Android phone?

Open Settings, then Storage, then Free up space. Choose what to remove, like old downloads or app caches, and confirm.

How do I free up disk space on Windows 11?

Open Settings, then System, then Storage, then Temporary files. Check what’s safe to remove and click Remove files. Turning on Storage Sense does this automatically going forward.

How do I free up storage on a Mac?

Open System Settings, then General, then Storage, then click Manage. Options include Store in iCloud, Empty Trash Automatically, and Reduce Clutter.

Before deleting anything, make sure your photos are backed up (iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive); once they’re safely in the cloud, removing local copies is safe.