Want more space on your phone?
There comes a time when your phone starts to crash, apps don't open properly and notifications tell you that the memory is full. And then the dilemma begins: what to delete? Photos, videos, documents? If you've ever experienced this, you need to get to know Files by Google, a free and super-smart app that helps you to free up space without having to delete your photos.
Yes, it is possible to give your device's memory a breather and keep your most important records intact. In this article, you'll learn how Files works, how to use it without fear and why it's the app that saves your phone when it seems like everything is going to crash.
What is Files by Google?
Files by Google is a Google's official file manager, available for Android, designed to help the user to organize, clean and protect your files - all quickly, simply and securely.
It's one of the lightest apps in its category, takes up little space on your phone and doesn't require any technical knowledge to use. Just install it and start using the tools suggested by the app itself. And yes, it understands exactly what can be deleted and what should be kept - avoiding those disastrous wipes that delete photos unintentionally.
How does Files help free up space?
As soon as you open the app, Files makes a full scan on your phone and shows you everything that's taking up space:
- Duplicate files
- Large files (videos, PDFs, heavy audio)
- Useless system files (cache, junk apps)
- Forgotten downloads
- WhatsApp memes and stickers
- Videos forwarded a thousand times in groups
- Little-used apps
You choose what you want to delete - with total control. Files doesn't delete anything by itself, and everything is shown clearly, with images and descriptions.
And the photos, are they safe?
Yes. The great thing about Files is that it doesn't delete your photos automatically. It offers a function called "Back up before cleaning". This means that, before deleting any image, the app asks you if you want to save it in the Google Photoswhich is a free cloud backup service.
When you activate this option, Files sends your photos and videos to your Google account, and only then offers to clean up the content on your device. The result: you frees up space on your phone, but keeps everything saved in the cloud - you can access it at any time via the Google Photos app, on any device.
In other words, no more losing important memories or prints that you swore you'd still need.
How to use Files by Google step by step
- Download the app in the Play Store (it's free and lightweight).
- Open and accept permissions so that it can analyze your storage.
- In the "Clean"see the automatic cleaning suggestions.
- Tap "Release" on the files you want to delete.
- For photos, tap "Backup in Google Photos" before cleaning.
- Follow in real time how much space has been freed up.
Everything is done with just a few taps. And the best part: the app shows you how much memory you're saving with each cleanup.
Can you free up space every day?
Yes, you can. Files even recommends it. It sends notifications with daily suggestions, such as:
- "You have 10 duplicate files that can be deleted"
- "This WhatsApp video takes up 200 MB. Do you want to delete it?"
- "Backup ready: secure photos in the cloud, do you want to clean the device?"
It's a practical way of keeping your phone light at all times, without waiting for it to crash before taking action.
Does Files also organize files?
Yes, in addition to cleaning, Files has a tab called "Search"where all your files are organized by category:
- Images
- Videos
- Audios
- Documents
- Downloads
- Apps
- WhatsApp files
This makes it much easier for those who are lost in the middle of folders. Need to find a print? It's there. A Telegram audio? There too. You don't have to keep opening folders and sub-folders - the app separates everything for you.
Does it work on any Android phone?
Yes, Files by Google works on practically all Android devices - from the simplest to the latest models. It is light, fast and optimizedeven for phones with less than 1 GB of RAM.
What's more, the app is updated frequently, with performance improvements and new functions. All with Google's own quality assurance.
What if I accidentally delete something?
Files always asks for confirmation before deleting. But if you regret it afterwards, you still have the chance to recover files via Google Photos (if you've made a backup beforehand). Therefore, the recommendation is always use the backup feature before cleaning any sensitive items.
Another tip: activate the "recycle garbage can" feature in Google Photos, which keeps deleted files for up to 30 days before deleting them permanently.
What are the main benefits?
- Quick release of space without deleting photos for nothing
- Integrated backup with Google Photos
- Intelligent file organization
- Detection of useless, duplicate and heavy files
- Security guaranteed by Google
- Lightweight, free app with no intrusive ads
- Automatic notifications for smart cleaning
All this with a simple, intuitive interface and 100% in Portuguese.
A must-have app for those who want a lightweight phone
If you're always deleting files to install a new app, if your phone crashes all the time or if you're afraid of losing important photos when you do that "cleaning", the Files by Google is the app for you.
Not only does it help you free up space, it also protects your most important files and organizes everything easily. With it, your phone can breathe easier - and so can you.
And the best part: it's free, reliable and easy to use. Install it once and you'll never have to deal with a full memory again.
See also: Which cleaning app really improves your phone's performance
May 21st, 2025
Graduated in Languages - Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful WriterAs a writer, she seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on various subjects. At Vaga de Emprego SP, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.