Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or a computer, you are bound to run into some problems eventually.
Brand-new devices should perform more or less flawlessly, but they slow down over time. One of the main reasons behind it is the lack of storage.
There’s a finite amount of available space. Less tech-savvy users don’t even realize the problem and struggle to overcome it.
Let’s take a look at some ways to improve the state of your device storage so you don’t run into trouble.
- Get Rid of the Temporary System Junk
One of the first steps is to spend some time going through temporary system files. Cache, app extensions, and other temporary data accumulate without showing itself.
It hides behind multiple folder categories. One doesn’t even realize such files exist in the first place. They are hidden to prevent users from deleting important system files accidentally.
The best way to circumvent the restrictions and take a risk-free approach is via a dedicated cleanup tool.
Software that specializes in getting rid of temporary system storage and other junk files is a worthwhile investment. After all, you should clean up the device on a regular basis, and a one-time software purchase is more than justified.
- Use Anti-malware to Scan the Device
Antivirus software is another must-have. Use it to regularly scan the device for potential threats.
Corrupted data is one example, but modern malware and other security threats go beyond that.
Some viruses also spread themselves and slowly consume the available disk space on the device. And if left unattended, the whole problem will snowball.
It should not take too long for an antivirus tool to scan the device and detect potentially corrupted data. Once it discovers a threat, ask the tool to eliminate it.
An antivirus should be running in the background all the time. Having said that, do not stop there. Be proactive and actively scan the device now and then as an extra precaution. After all, cybersecurity threats go beyond just affecting the device’s storage.
- Compress Files
One of the most underused methods in digital storage saving is file compression. Not many people bother with it.
For instance, you can compress JPG or PNG. Individually, the difference will not be noticeable. However, if there are hundreds or thousands of images, then compressing them will have a positive effect.
It is true that compressing files seems like a redundant task because you are still keeping the data on your device. On the other hand, if minimizing storage issues is the primary objective, anything should be used, and file compression is no exception.
- Get Rid of Media Files
Go through the device and figure out what you can delete. Most likely, there will be some media files that you no longer need. Old downloads, for instance.
Duplicate pictures are worth a shout as well. If you are not paying attention, you might snap multiple images of the same thing on your smartphone or tablet. And since the modern mobile camera quality is high, these images take a decent amount of space. Reduce it by deleting duplicates.
- Invest in External Storage
If you have too many files on the device and you cannot figure out which ones to delete or there is nothing you can remove, utilize external storage.
It is a different approach, but one that works effectively. Make the most out of Dropbox, iCloud, and other cloud storage. The basic free plan usually offers a few gigabytes, but you can pay a small monthly or yearly fee and increase the available cloud storage up to a few terabytes.
External storage accessories like hard drives and USB flash sticks are another alternative. They are inferior to the cloud in the sense that the latter offers a digital solution. Nevertheless, for a relatively small price, you could get an accessory and solve potential problems related to storage on your devices.
- Delete Apps You Don’t Need for the Time Being
The habit of downloading an application or a video game and not using it is quite common. If you don’t plan to play a video game or use an application, there is really no real reason to keep them on the device, right?
After all, you can download and install it later. For now, though, free storage should take priority, and if it means uninstalling apps and other files temporarily, so be it.
