What Files by Google really cleans on your phone

Want to guarantee your performance?

When the Files app by Google cleans your phone, it's not just removing random files. What happens behind the click to "free up space" is a precise scan, based on temporary, duplicate and unnecessary data that accumulates over time. The app identifies files that no longer make sense to keep on the system - such as old cache, used installation folders and even repeated WhatsApp memes - and deletes them safely, without touching your photos, messages or important data.

After all, what exactly does it clean?

Files by Google is a file management application designed to make life easier for those who have little space on their phones or live with almost full memory. Unlike many apps that promise miracles, it does a real analysis of what can be deleted without compromising the functioning of the device.

When the Files app by Google cleans your cell phone, it removes it:

• Application cache (such as temporary images, cookies and thumbnails)
• Residual files that remain after app updates
• Duplicate images, especially from WhatsApp and Telegram groups
• Large files that have not been opened for months
• Forgotten downloads that you don't even remember doing anymore

All this is shown before deletion, and you can manually select what you want or don't want to delete.

What he no clean?

This is an essential point. Files by Google does not delete important files by mistake. It doesn't delete them:

• Your gallery photos
• Personal videos
• WhatsApp chats
• Installed applications
• Word documents, PDFs or saved spreadsheets

Cleaning is done securely, and always with your confirmation before deleting anything. If the app has any doubts about what can be deleted, it doesn't even display it as a suggestion.

Is the cache safe to delete?

Yes, and it's actually necessary. The cache serves to speed up the opening of apps and websites, but it accumulates over time. An old image from a website, a video you've watched once, or even a WhatsApp audio you've already listened to - all this goes into the cache and continues to take up space.

When the Files app by Google cleans this cache, the device's performance improves. Applications run more smoothly, the system responds more quickly and that "storage full" warning takes longer to appear.

And if the cache is important for an app, it will be recreated automatically, without any harm being done.

Why does the phone slow down without cleaning?

With daily use, Android accumulates a lot of useless data. Each application you install generates temporary folders, update files and even advertising data that continues to take up space even after you close the app.

This reduces available memory, impacts overall performance and can even lead to new applications not being able to be installed due to lack of space. In addition, some systems crash when they don't have enough space to run.

Using Files by Google from time to time keeps your system running smoothly, without crashes or performance drops.

What about repeated images? How does he identify them?

One of the most interesting features of Files by Google is that it identifies duplicate images. You know that print you sent to a friend and then received back? Or that picture that's in three different groups? The app detects these files and shows them to you, indicating which are exact copies and which are similar.

You can view them all before deleting. It's up to you. If you want to keep some for safety, just uncheck them. But the space saved by removing these copies is impressive.

Does it help with older devices?

Yes, and even more. If you have a phone with less than 64 GB of internal memory, using Files by Google can be essential. Many older smartphones or entry-level models suffer from a lack of space after just a few months of use.

In such cases, the Files app by Google cleans with intelligence, offering suggestions that make the phone respond as if it were brand new. And because it's a lightweight app, it works without crashing even on the most modest devices.

How many GB can I release?

The amount varies from cell phone to cell phone, but in practical tests it is common to free up between 2 GB and 5 GB of space with a single scan. On cell phones with more intense use of WhatsApp and social networks, this figure can be even higher.

The app itself shows a summary after each cleanup, with the exact amount of space freed up. And the most interesting thing: the longer you go without cleaning, the more space the app will free up.

What if I delete something and regret it?

Most deletions are permanent, but since Files doesn't delete critical files, you're unlikely to lose anything important. In any case, it always shows you a preview of what will be deleted. This drastically reduces the risk of regret.

What's more, photos and videos are usually saved in the gallery or synchronized with Google Photos - which gives an extra layer of security.

The recommendation is to review the list every time you clean up and make a habit of checking the folders before authorizing deletion.

How often should I use it?

It depends on how you use it. If you're someone who exchanges a lot of content, lives in groups, downloads a lot of files or works with social networks, it's worth opening the app at least once a week.

For ordinary users, a fortnightly or monthly clean already makes a big difference.

The app itself sends notifications when it identifies unnecessary data accumulation, which helps you keep everything under control with little effort.

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May 14th, 2025